Two of Covent Garden’s most creative establishments, the Royal Opera House and Middle Eight, a 180-room luxury hotel, have partnered with University Centre South Essex to showcase the Royal Opera House Prize Exhibition.
The exhibition will be on show at the Covent Garden hotel from today until Friday October 6, just steps from the Royal Opera House itself.
Previously displayed as part of the Royal Opera House Prize in the ROH’s Linbury Theatre foyer, the students inspired the five chosen costumes of ballet and opera. The ROH Prize is an exclusive competition set by the ROH Costume Department for University Centre South Essex students, showcasing their technical and creative costume-making skills in a final exhibition.
The BA (Hons) Costume Construction programme at University Centre South Essex places an emphasis on the knowledge and use of both historical and contemporary pattern cutting, construction, textiles and finishing techniques. Students produce costumes for opera, dance, theatre, musical theatre, performance art, film and television.
Since 2015, the degree has been run in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, this relationship enables the students to have access to the extensive ROH costume archive.
Keen to celebrate emerging and developing talent in London, Middle Eight is a passionate supporter of the creative arts, from design to music.
The hotel takes its name from the musical term ‘middle eight’, a type of musical interlude or bridge that differs in character from the song’s melody, honouring the site’s rich history, which dates back to 1912, when it was originally a Methodist church called Kingsway Hall, before it then became one of the world’s leading studios for the recording of classical and film music.
The hotel continues its musical legacy with live music and performances in the hotel’s late-night speakeasy, QT.
Drawing upon Middle Eight’s location in the heart of London’s theatreland, guests visiting the free exhibition can also enjoy the hotel’s musically-inspired Covent Garden Crescendo Afternoon Tea. F
eaturing sweet treats and finger sandwiches, the afternoon tea includes a tangy citrus pannacotta, pistachio macarons and a classic hazelnut éclair, all handcrafted by Clanny Rodrigues – the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef and Bake Off: The Professionals semi-finalist.
Guests can also choose from a range of teas and coffee or pair with a glass of bubbles.
The Covent Garden Crescendo Afternoon Tea is available from Wednesday to Sunday and must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Alternatively, the hotel offers the Sip of Theatre cocktail menu.
Details: The Royal Opera House Prize Exhibition at Middle Eight will take place from 12 September – 6 October 2023 and will be free of charge to resident and non-resident guests.
Visit: www.middleeight.com to book.