Our work
Back in Wellington for one more dazzling night!
12 December 2009, 6.30 till late
Video: The Affair of the Diamond Necklace trailer, or see it here on YouTube!
More: How to behave in 18th Century France: Watch »
"WOW" - Praise for the show
"It's not just a whodunnit evening, a dinner, improv theatre, a museum exhibit, role play, or party. And yet it is all of those things at once, and greater than the sum of its parts as a result...
About now, I have to say WOW! The upstairs foyer of the St James was transformed into the Garden of Versailles - plants and flowers, a fountain, bunting and lanterns everywhere. It was beautiful. We were guided around to where the MC announced each guest before we got to practise newly learnt curtsy/leg skills in front of Louis XVI (Damian Reid) and Marie Antoinette (Jessica Manins)". - Maryanne Cathro, Theatrereview
----------------------------
"It was an incredible evening from the moment we arrived. The St. James had been transformed, incredible food, and the actors superb. It is like a fancy dress party on steroids!" Daniel Eakins, Wellington
---------------------------
"An evening of mystery and intrigue in fabulous costume. I hope you do again soon!" -Frank Susko, Wellington
Step into history...
You are invited to explore the incredible true story of the diamond necklace. It's an evening of authentic food and entertainment and an unparalleled story, based on true historical events.
Its lavish, authentic sets - a place where actors and guests work together to advance this remarkable story.
The evening
Upon your arrival, you will enjoy refreshments and mingle with other guests. You will witness the great Count Cagliostro perform feats of 18th Century 'scientific magic' in the company of His Highness Louis Philippe, the Dauphin.
When the King and Queen arrive, you be given audience, before feasting on a procession of delicacies in the style of 18th-century Versailles. Then, you will help the mystery unfold. Afterwards, dancing and other entertainments will continue until late.
The Affair of the Diamond Necklace is a unique interactive theatre experience based around true historical events. You will be able to speak with Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI and other central figures in the affair. You will play witness to extraordinary twists of fate and dramatic confrontations.
The diamond necklace
The necklace was a masterpiece of the jeweller’s art. Its seventeen perfect diamonds were desired by the most powerful women in Europe. It was a treasure like no other.
And then it disappeared.
Entertainment Until Late
After the meal and the conclusion of the affair, guests will be able to mingle late into the evening. The bar will be open and guests will enjoy music and dancing of the Baroque period, developing into more contemporary styles as the evening proceeds.
HOW TO BOOK
Affair of the Diamond Necklace is available for booking in New Zealand and Australia. With notice, we can create the production for you, in the venue of your choice. Contact us here and we will be happy to discuss it.
Many of the sumptuous costumes seen in the production have been supplied by Jesters Costume Hire in Lower Hutt.
The gardens of Versailles have been created using plants, fountains and art on loan from Palmers Garden World in Plimmerton. We are very grateful for their contribution.
The sumptuous food at the event has been created by In House Catering in Wellington.
This production is supported by a generous grant from the New Zealand Performing Arts Foundation.
Resources - Ideas for dress
For admittance to the gardens of Versailles, all guests must be dressed as befits an audience with the King of France. Here, we offer you information about appropriate dress, and where to hire costumes in Wellington and Auckland.
Tips for making your hire costume look great
When you're browsing through the costume shops listed below, you'll notice a wide variety of costumes available. Some of them have been used for movies and are excellent, with a price tag to match. However, you can hire a compartively simple costume and make it look excellent with just a little extra work. None of these suggestions take more than a few minutes and a trip to the craft shop. Be sure to undo any modification before returning it to the shop!
- Women's costume is a voluminous skirt and an open overskirt, with a corset and open decolatage. Sleeves should be to the elbow, with a large lace fringe.
- For men, your outfit should consist of a white shirt, vest (waistcoat) and matching jacket knee-length britches, white stockings and shoes that are either black or match the rest of the outfit. A lace cravat completes the costume.
- Powdered wigs were all the range. Costume shops have the basics, and will often give you additional material to decorate it with. You might have better luck, though, by making your own from silk flowers and feathers, many of which can be found at a craft shop or garden centre.
- For women, one of the biggest improvements you can make to your costume is add the wide side hoops, originally called paniers ("pan-yay").They give the gown its distinctive, and suprisingly flattering look. More about paniers. You don't have to go a lot of expensive to acheive this. Even tying a couple of cushions around your waist will do the trick.
- Decorate your costume.These costumes need to be made for easy clean, and for use by a lot of people. Consequently, they don't usually have much decoration. However, this can be fixed for just a few dollars. For women, try sewing some silk flowers or satin bows onto the costume. A little makes a big difference. For men, a few inexpensive gold buttons and satin sash will make a drab costume come to life.
- Make it fit. A few darts using handsewing, safety pins, or (or even masking tape) will often provide a huge difference in whether this generic costume fits like it was made for you. You can often talk the hire shop owner into helping you with this, if they aren't busy.
- Don't for get the bling! Both men and women wore a lot of jewellery in the 18th Century. When putting your costume together, don't forget plenty of big necklaces for women, and large diamond broaches for men.
Costume Hire Shops
Wellington
Creative Show Off Costume Hire