Inside a Bespoke Show Production: Gospel Choir and Aerial Piano
When tasked with putting on a show-stopping event for the University of East London Summer Festival 2026, our client’s words were: ‘Something nobody would have seen before!’
Considering that previously this summer festival event had featured performances including projection mapping, water fountains and even more unique speciality acts, our creative team had to think outside the box.
Entertainment organiser Eden and event director Julia embraced the challenge, developing a bespoke show production that combined two very different performance disciplines within one seamless story.
The result was a completely original custom show production that brought together the uplifting sound of a live gospel choir and the spectacle of an aerial pianist performing above the audience. Created exclusively for UEL, it was designed to tell a story of aspiration, innovation and possibility.
Let’s explore the vision behind this bespoke show – or scroll down to see the final performance!
What is the UEL Summer Festival?
The UEL Summer Festival is hosted by the University of East London at the Royal Docks, celebrating all things innovation.
This annual event is a showcase of interactive exhibits across UEL, with workshops and creative activities that everyone can participate in. As well as this, the event hosts live music, entertainment and street food, which would also be home to the performance we were curating.
On-site Visit
When we went on our initial site visit, the first thing that hit us was the unique backdrop of the campus building intertwined with the airport and river scene. As well as the opportunity to captivate the families, students and local community on-site.
Our bespoke show production space was set amongst this in the open courtyard, which experiences high footfall. So we had to be conscious that this show not only had to be show-stopping, it had to deliver on logistics and safety.
This includes the challenges of managing outdoor events, with considerations for the weather conditions, physical structures, public visitors and creating a safe yet empowering show full of vibrancy.
JCEM Signature Show Production: Our Vision
Inspired by the UEL’s message of innovation and creativity, as well as the open courtyard surrounded by musical performance, we knew this custom show production had to hold time still for a few moments with a universal appeal to its diverse audience.
Immediately, we saw the potential in the open space and tall buildings, making us look to the sky and ground for ideas, with a feel of elevation and uplift; we wanted to theme the show around this feeling.
After some initial brainstorming, creative event director Julia and event organiser Eden amalgamated two individually spectacular ideas that, curated together, would create a unique speciality performance that would transcend space and emotion.
Powerful Storytelling
The choir would begin among the audience, filling the courtyard with sound and movement before drawing attention upwards. The aerial piano would then emerge above the crowd, transforming the performance from an uplifting musical moment into an unexpected sky-high spectacle.
The Live Bespoke Show Production
Event day brought an additional layer of drama. With wind and rain moving across the outdoor site, our production team had to respond in real time while keeping the performers, crew and audience safe.
Working closely with the aerial specialists, we monitored the conditions and identified two safe weather windows. Both scheduled performances went ahead, allowing the full creative story to be delivered despite the challenging forecast.
The Show Must Go On…
Take a look below for some of the live performance highlights through the amazing moments captured by UEL photographer Krystian Davies. Many thanks to our client and the artist for allowing us to use these.
What We Love Most – Our Client’s Feedback!
We worked really closely with our client at UEL to bring this custom show production to life, and we were thrilled to not only live up to expectations but exceed them. Here’s what they had to say post-event:
“YOU DID IT!!!
On behalf of all of us – thank you, thank you, thank you. To say we were impressed is a complete understatement. Despite the weather and the wind, you pulled off an INCREDIBLE show and people at UEL are definitely talking today.
Thank you for creating something so spectacular in a very short period of time. I don’t think the whole experience has quite sunk in for me yet, to be honest…(that’s a good thing! That’s what a showstopper is meant to do). As mentioned, we do showstopper performances each year, and I do still have my heart set on a wall dance, but I am also open to other ideas, of course.”
The finished show delivered exactly what UEL had requested: a unique performance that stopped people in their tracks and gave the festival its defining shared moment. More importantly, it demonstrated how custom performances can turn an event message into something an audience can see, hear and feel.
Now Enjoy the Show……
Could This Be the Beginning of Your Signature Show?
You do not need to arrive with a finished idea. Our creative team can develop an original custom show production around your event, brand, venue and desired audience response.
From luxury event entertainment and bespoke corporate entertainment to festivals, launches and gala dinners, we combine creative direction, exceptional performers and technical production to deliver something genuinely distinctive.
Tell us about your event, and we’ll begin developing the moment your guests will remember.
Why not take a look at our bespoke show options below to give you some inspiration?
Alternatively, you can look through our entire entertainment catalogue below:
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- 25 EPIC Circus Acts and Performers For Your Next Event
Custom Show Productions FAQ
What Is a Custom Show Production?
A custom show production is an original performance created specifically for an event, brand or audience. It can combine multiple performers, music, choreography, technology and technical production to create one seamless, immersive experience.
Why Choose a Bespoke Show for Your Event?
Bespoke show productions create memorable moments that reflect your brand, message or event theme. Unlike off-the-shelf entertainment, every element can be tailored to deliver a unique performance that gets guests talking.
Can a Custom Show Production Be Tailored to Our Brand or Event Theme?
Yes. We can tailor the performers, music, costumes, choreography, colours and production design around your brand or event theme, creating a signature performance that feels entirely unique to your occasion.
What Types of Events Are Bespoke Show Productions Suitable For?
Bespoke event entertainment can be created for corporate events, gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches, brand activations, festivals and private celebrations. Each production is adapted to the venue, audience and purpose of the event.
Can You Combine Multiple Performers into One Signature Performance?
Yes. We can bring together different performers and creative disciplines to tell one cohesive story. This could include aerial artists, dancers, musicians, vocalists, speciality acts and immersive technology.
Do You Manage the Technical Production and Logistics?
Yes. Depending on your requirements, we can manage the creative direction, performer coordination, rehearsals, technical production, rigging, logistics, health and safety, and live event delivery needed to bring your custom show production to life.
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