Turning tips into memories

London’s cultural institutions are offering exclusive experiences

By Holly O'Mahony on 15/1/2021

While cultural institutions across the UK remain closed, the teams behind them are hard at work, finding new ways to keep their virtual audiences engaged while unable to invite them into venues with the promise of exciting new productions, fresh exhibitions and, for the corporate crowd, glamorous gala dinners.
Live-yet-virtual performances and online gallery tours are now the standard offering from most major arts institutions, and while highly appreciated, the novelty of experiencing culture in this way has worn off. At the same time, income from private fundraising and donations has reportedly fallen sharply since the pandemic began. This leaves those in charge of the purse-strings with the task of finding creative ways to engage their would-be punters.
From opera singers serenading individuals with personalised birthday messages to virtual dance lessons delivered by professional ballerinas, we round up the exclusive cultural experiences making lockdown more interesting.

Birthday cheer from Grange Park Opera

For those who, in normal times, would have considered a trip to the opera the ideal birthday treat, Grange Park Opera is offering something perhaps even more exciting: a personalised birthday greeting from one of its singers. Gifters can choose between one of 12 revered singers – including bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, soprano Ailish Tynan and even Go Compare’s Wynne Evans – adding any reasonable personalisation requests. The singers will then record a personal Happy Birthday message and/or an aria for your loved one. Prices start at £200, with 100% of donations going towards artists and technicians in need.

World-class ballet training from English National Ballet

While unable to take to the stage, ENB's dancers continue to train rigorously at home in order to keep on top of their intricate, highly skilled routines. What’s more, the company is offering the public the chance to train with its ballerinas online. Dubbed BalletActive, the scheme comprises ballet training (from beginner through to advanced), contemporary dance, and home workouts (barre, yoga, dance cardio), all of which is available to stream for £9.99 a month or £99.99 for the year.

Exclusive masterclasses with the B&C Club

In ‘normal times’, the B&C Club offers its private member base exclusive access to cultural events taking place in and around Chelsea, Belgravia and Mayfair. And the organisation is no less committed to providing its network with access to arts and culture online, while the institutions themselves remain closed. Over the coming month, B&C Club members can engage with a series of masterclasses led by art historian Reine Okuliar; a tour of French-Swiss painter Agnès Thurnauer’s studio; a masterclass studying the immersive, colourful installations of Yayoi Kusama (pictured); and a talk with literary director, author and screenwriter Pauline Baer de Pérignon. Membership costs £800 a year.

Exclusive live events with ENO TV

The English National Opera’s ENO TV programme offers members private access to a range of different events, held over Zoom. Interviews with the company’s key figures, a virtual ghost tour of the London Coliseum (ENO’s home) and workshops including an introduction to conducting have all previously featured on the roster of weekly live events. For access, become an ENO member for £55 a year or £4.60 a month.

Character Doorstep Visits from Absolutely Amazing Parties

Birthday parties are a Big Thing when you’re little, and being told you won’t be able to have one this year must seem very unfair. Meanwhile, for parents and carers, there’s the added pressure of making the day special without the usual distractions and resources. Nottingham-based children’s party company Absolutely Amazing Parties has an inspired solution: a doorstep visit from their favourite fictional character, portrayed by a live actor. Choose from a range of household names – Frozen’s Elsa, Harry Potter and Batman all feature – and the company takes special requests if you don’t see your favourite on the list.

A great way to make the day feel special and build anticipation in the lead up, Character Doorstep Visits can take place in your front or back garden, or on your driveway, patio or pathway outside your home. Visits cost £45 for one character and include a gift certificate. Visits over 20 miles from Nottingham incur an additional travel fee.