Wyatt James takes centre stage at Royal & Derngate Gala Dinner

Wyatt James has won critical acclaim from the organisers of the Royal & Derngate Gala Dinner for its role in transforming the theatre into a spectacular dining area and serving 300 guests from the local business community with a sumptuous four course dinner – utilising the theatre’s original banqueting kitchens.

Marking the 125th anniversary of Northampton’s Royal Theatre, the Gala Dinner, which was held on May 8, is the culmination of a year-long programme of fundraising events to raise funds for the Royal stage.  Monies raised will be used to increase the range and ambition of the work produced for Northampton audiences.

Richard Clinton, Operations Manager at Derngate, explains the concept for the event. “It was a great opportunity to show off the versatility of the Derngate Auditorium, which has the ability to surprise everyone transforming from a seated auditorium to a complete flat floor within a matter of hours.” Star cloth walls, stunning lighting effects and lavishly decorated tables were combined to create a spectacular setting. Richard said, “We did hear more than one guest say “wow!” when they entered the room which is exactly the reaction we had hoped for!

Jo Hunter-Wyatt, founder of Wyatt James and Executive Chef, says:  “We were privileged to be asked to cater for such a prestigious local event.  Every venue throws up a different challenge, and the requirement to working out of the original kitchens situated on a different floor to the Gala Dinner certainly put our team to the test. However by creating a seasonal menu and configuring a temporary finishing kitchen immediately to one side of the foyer we were able to plate and serve 3 courses live within 90 minutes.  No mean performance in itself!”

Richard Clinton says: “The team at Wyatt James were very professional and happy to assist from the outset. The service and food was of the upmost quality and they truly helped to make the evening a success, with a can do attitude that shone through.”

Guests were treated to a champagne reception in the new central foyer, and during dinner listened to a host of musical acts, including The Wizard of Oz cast performing a collection of songs from their current tour.

The evening, compered by Sarah Moyles, raised over £11,000 towards the Royal & Derngate’s Challenge 125 Fundraising Programme.