Brief
The client required an impressive venue for the star-studded afterparty, celebrating the launch of Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula on the West End.
Why 60 Great Queen Street Was Chosen
Located in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatre district, 60 Great Queen Street is a popular choice for premieres and afterparties. Its proximity to the Noël Coward Theatre made it an ideal and convenient setting for this event.
Spaces Used
Guests entered through the iconic Tower Doors, which offered an aptly dramatic entrance, and then made their way into the Vestibules for the drinks reception. A step-and-repeat was positioned in Vestibule 1 for press photography.
Production and Highlights
Trusted partner Clownfish delivered creative production across the spaces, with highlights including:
- Atmospheric lighting throughout to set the scene, enhanced by themed accents such as vintage candlesticks
- A dramatic red hue projected onto the building’s façade
- Custom gobo projection to create a silhouette of Cynthia Erivo
- Bespoke-built bars
Creative Catering from Moving Venue
The team at Moving Venue embraced the theme, creating a menu inspired by the story of Dracula, with equally imaginative presentation. Canapés were served on vintage books and even from anatomically accurate hearts.
Senior Event Planner, Serena di Matteo said…
“We really focused on visual storytelling rather than a bespoke menu. The inspiration came from an Instagram preview of the show—it featured roses, a pumping anatomical heart, candles, and rich red tones—and I wanted the catering to feel immersive and reflect that gothic, dramatic vibe.
The canapé presentation became the centrepiece. The Karaage chicken was served on sticks rising from an anatomical heart-shaped vase, creating a sculptural and striking effect. We also used a birdcage-style cake stand decorated with red roses and trailing ivy to echo the idea of the character feeling trapped between two worlds. Across the trays and bars, we added candelabras, pillar candles, velvet draping, and gold vintage frames featuring imagery inspired by the Dracula book, creating height, texture, and atmosphere.
The menu itself tied into the theme as well: Szechuan-glazed crispy chicken burgers in black buns, Teriyaki-cured salmon with cucumber and Asian slaw, tomato tacos with edamame guacamole, smoked tomato gel and black olive crumb, and beef brisket beignets with shallot cream and leek ash. We also served a Lemon Rose Sparkler mocktail (lemon juice, rose syrup, sparkling water) garnished with a red rose petal, tying the drinks into the overall look.
Overall, the aim was to make the catering an extension of the show, with the styling and food creating an immersive, gothic atmosphere from the bar to the canapé trays. As the show blends live theatre with film and projections, I wanted to ensure that all the catering elements felt immersive.”
The client was particularly happy with the catering, which exceeded their expectations.
“I can’t thank you enough for the level of detail you went to with the display of the food and bars. Completely in theme, it was perfect and so well received.”
The Result
The client was delighted with the outcome, and the event was a resounding success, attracting global press coverage and countless A-listers.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We’ve already received so much positive feedback this morning about the professionalism of the staff and how beautiful the venue was.
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to make this possible, from our initial visit to last night. You’ve been a pleasure to work with. I can’t thank you enough for the smooth operation of the event – your team truly went above and beyond.
Thanks again for hosting us in your beautiful venue. We had a fantastic time, and I’m certain we’ll be back in the future.”
Brief
The client required an impressive event for the star-studded afterparty, celebrating the launch of Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula on the West End.
