Middle Eight, Covent Garden Presents Royal Opera House Costume Exhibition

Middle Eight, a 180-room luxury hotel and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’L.V.X Collection has announced an exciting new partnership with University Centre South Essex to showcase its Royal Opera House Prize Exhibition this September.

The exhibition will be on show in the lobby at the Covent Garden hotel from Tuesday, 12^th September to Friday, 6^th October, 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 six chosen costumes were inspired by the both the ballet and opera of Cinderella.

The ROH Prize is a competition set by the ROH Costume Department for University Centre South Essexstudents, showcasing their technical and creative costume-making skills in a final exhibition. The BA (Hons) Costume Construction programme at University Centre South Essexplaces an emphasis on the knowledge and use of both historical and contemporary pattern cutting, construction, textiles and finishing techniques. Students often study costumes in opera, dance, theatre, musical theatre, performance art, film and television. Since 2015, the degree has been run in collaboration with the Royal Opera House in order to give access to some of the most beautiful costumes in theatre, the students have access to the ROH Costume Store and Collections Archives in Thurrock.

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. Although completely rebuilt, this luxury hotel continues the music 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 theatre land, guests visiting the free-of-charge Royal Opera House Prize Exhibition can also enjoy the hotel’s musically-inspired Covent Garden Crescendo Afternoon Tea. Featuring a symphony of sweet treats and delicate finger sandwiches, this afternoon tea includes a tangy citrus pannacotta, pistachio macarons and a classic hazelnut éclair, all expertly 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 fine fair-trade tea, freshly brewed artisan coffee or pair it with a glass of bubbles for an extra special experience. The Covent Garden Crescendo Afternoon Tea is available from Wednesday to Sunday and must be booked 24 hours in advance.

Alternatively, perfect for pre- and post-theatre trips is the hotel’s showstopping Sip of Theatre cocktail menu. Designed by Middle Eight’s Head Mixologist, Maurice, the menu interpretates stories through a combination of indulgent ingredients to give a performance of a lifetime.

HOW: 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.For more information please visit: www.middleeight.com