All aboard the Orient Express... for Barclays staff

Barclays were hosting a year end dinner to thank their staff for all their hard work and support and to reinforce the importance of “customer service”.

Held at the exclusive Jumeriah Beach Hotel Ballroom, Visual Leap, a set design company, conceptualised the sumptuous mood of the Orient Express with the chosen theme of the “Luxurious Orient Express” which was stylistically represented by lavishly decorating the venue with elements that resemble the inside of the train.

Upon entering the lobby, staff were dressed in uniforms of the train conductors and inspectors and assisted in making all the relevant announcements supported by background soundscapes.

As the guests entered the hall a room divider with dresser and mirror was positioned at the door so that the whole room was not revealed upon entrance. It also assisted waiters in entering and exiting during the evening. Where necessary custom made signs to bathrooms and exit signs, were placed above the doors.

Once inside the venue, guests found it hard to believe that they were not aboard the Orient Express. Repetitive mock wood panelling adorned the walls, with a matching canopied ceiling represented window panels of the train. Every other ‘window' was a front projection screen divided by wall columns fitted with stylish art deco light fittings. Several 'windows' opened to reveal dancers and artists in the background. Art Deco elements were chosen throughout for its combination of straight lines and highly decorative details as well as for its ambiguous period but still classical and timeless beauty

Tables covered in lush velvet, elegant chairs, beautiful crystal glasses and fine china on silver base plates added ambience to each table.

The stage and focal point of the venue represented the lounge, and this is where the dancers performed. There were two sets of stairs that lead up from service entrances on to the main stage which was for the elegantly attired butlers to make an entrance when required.

The main feature on the stage was the curved back wall accented with light towers of fabric, on either side. The wall was upholstered with thick foam and a brocade fabric to create depth, interest and superior luxury as well as make an interesting surface for lighting. The chosen shape and surrounding detail beautifully complimented the ballroom dancers from London, the operatic duo in Venice, the rousing Can-Can girls and the Prague party.

The evening was a night of elegance and sophistication, a throwback to a lost age of opulence, luxury train travel, immaculately uniformed staff and titled clientele.

As the guests were transported from moment to moment, the theme of “Barclays at Its Best” rang true. They felt as if they were aboard the magical and entrancing Orient Express as they journeyed forward to embrace more memorable and enchanting moments in their association with Barclays.