Icon Interiors

March 2009

Old Billingsgate

reason / objective

Icon Interiors approached Smyle to produce their first ever SJP's Foundation gala dinner for 1000 guests at Old Billingsgate, London. Smyle worked in conjunction with Icon Interiors to design the ethereal look and feel of the event as well as overseeing the event management, entertainment, catering, décor, production, on-screen media, live event filming and post event DVD creation. 

concept / solution

Old Billingsgate was transformed through the use of floating drapes and lighting to create a softer, dreamlike quality to the venue. Guests entered down a glittering, candle lit path into the reception area adorned with floral chandeliers over a Champagne Bar. Dinner was announced in dramatic style with an electronic violin quartet playing to the reveal by way of hoisted fabric screen and a mass of intelligent lighting and textured gobos.
Tables were dressed with either ice sculpture swans or flowing displays in swan vases and guests were seated to a fine dining experience. Entertainment was provided by guest soloists, a string quartet; Siren, Ballet Black, the London Community Gospel Choir and the Real Deal band.
The set design included a hand painted backdrop of a forest pool scene and was surrounded by a canopy of sculpted fabric to create a depth and interest to the stage. The ceiling throughout the venue was strung with pleats of organza radiating from a central circular truss, creating a flow over the heads of the guests.
In addition Smyle oversaw the guest arrival procedure, auction and venue security to ensure the event ran as seamlessly as possible. Finally the stage and talent management was looked after by Smyle to provide a seamless live show with slick backstage management and technical excellence.