Private Client

May 2006

Private Residence

reason / objective

A surprise 50th birthday party organised for a family member of the client. He wanted the theme to be a Midsummer Nights Dream, specifically based on the 1999 film version. The party was to bring the magic of the story to life and create a surreal environment for the evening’s proceedings to unfold!

concept / solution

With no serious constraints, the Smyle team had the opportunity to utilise all of their creative juices. After several viewings of the 1999 movie and a number of brainstorms the most unique of events was designed. A marquee in the grounds of the client’s residence was split into two sections, a reception area and a dining area. Upon arrival guests were greeted by Valet parking attendants and mad pixies driving golf buggies, motorised scooters and riding bicycles, unicycles and even penny farthings around the grounds…dwarf pixies were also flown acrobatically in surrounding trees from ropes and swings!

Entering the marquee, guests walked under a Human Archway with dream like female characters in extravagant bridal costumes scattering petals and glitter over them. In addition bubbles slowly cascaded down on to the guests. This led them into a fantastically draped area, silks in forest colours dressed the marquee with a gauze overlay which was then washed with textured & dichroic lighting to create a dynamic dreamlike effect. Fresh lavender was scattered across the flooring to give an amazing scent, ensuring, like in a real forest, that all the senses were provocatively teased! In addition moss was scattered to the edges of the marquee and wild displays of lush overgrown rustic trees with beautiful vines, fruits and vibrant floristry surrounded the reception area.

Playful pixies amused and delighted guests by serving drinks and being suitably mischievous, contortionists and acrobats performed on swings, ropes and stages in addition to floor based acts.

A platform made delicately of logs and dressed with vines gave a majestic stage for a fairy playing a harp providing suitably dream like background music.

A grass covered stairway, dressed with vines, leading to a breathtaking waterfall complete with rockery, pebbles and flanked by two equally beautiful floral curtains became the entrance to the dining area. Behind the waterfall, effervescent light was thrown, rhythmically changing colour and piercing through the liquid enhancing the atmospheric feel.

As dusk arrived the guests experienced the coordination of a dramatic light change with an announcement, the waterfall suddenly stopped, and the stairway filled with dry ice the MC for the evening appeared from behind…Bottom!

Smyle intended to have the party unfold inline with the story with intermittent performances and changes in character throughout the evening. This was illustrated by the morphing of Bottom from charming and eloquent maitre d’ to a human donkey at the end of the night. The Midsummer Nights Dream script was analysed by the Smyle creative team and utilised in speeches and announcements throughout the evening.

The head table was placed under a rustic wooden pagoda dressed with pea lights, candles and vines, again lighting thrown onto voile drapery gave a shimmer effect. With the rest of the dining area under an LED ever changing starcloth and the perimeter again dressed with shrubbery and trees this area was like being in a forest under the stars! Tables dressed with green cloths, lavender and table centres of overflowing fruits & lanterns. Guests feasted, using goblets, pewter cutlery and plates - a medieval banquet which obviously included a luxurious hog roast.

To complete the surreal environment three huge, awe-inspiring blossom trees in pink, white and red, were flown upside down above the dining area. A group of pixies on stilts and dwarfs entertained through acrobatic movement, dance and poi juggling! The mood at the party was such that even a rather unfortunate looking bottom, complete with oversized ears, buck teeth, bedraggled clothes and unkempt facial hair, became the most popular man on the dance floor!

The whole event was filmed by Smyle Film and a fully edited DVD that was produced post event was sent to all the guests as a keepsake from the evening.