Be Transported to the Regency Era at Melbourne’s Bridgerton Masquerade Parlour – This Weekend Only

Season three of Bridgerton established the series as one of Netflix’s most popular of all time. And the first half of season four just dropped yesterday, bringing more glitz, drama, corsets and steamy romance. To celebrate, the Bridgerton Masquerade Parlour is taking over Little Collins Street on January 31 and February 1. Netflix is known for its high-budget teasers (remember the giant doll in Sydney Harbour for Squid Game, or the portal to the Upside Down for Stranger Things’ final season last year?), and this pop-up will include a range of free Regency-themed activities, from glove fitting and colour analysis stations to fairytale portraits and a masquerade mask fitting.

Each season of Bridgerton spotlights a sibling in the eponymous aristocrat family as they navigate the marriage market in “alternate history” London. And in season four, all eyes are on bohemian Benedict (Luke Thompson), the second oldest Bridgerton son. At a masquerade ball, he becomes infatuated with the masked Lady in Silver (rising Aussie star Yerin Ha), a maid who sneaks into the ball. It’s a compelling Cinderella story, packed with mystery and desire.

Season four comes to life at the Masquerade Parlour pop-up. Paperboys will distribute society papers streetside, and footmen will hand out raspberry macarons. Maids will guide you into the parlour, decorated with lavish Bridgerton-inspired interiors. On the ground floor, find four pampering options – guided jewellery colour analysis and make-up shade stations, and self-led glove fittings and hair coiffures.

The biggest drawcard for fans is the mask archetype station, where a mask maker and his assistants will fit you with a custom mask based on which Bridgerton archetype you are. Upstairs, get your portrait taken in a stylised set, with free digital and physical copies to take home. It’s optional (but encouraged) to attend dressed in your best Bridgerton outfit – just like an esteemed member of the ton.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Netflix. The Bridgerton Masquerade Parlour is open at 362 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, on Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1. Entry is free. The first four episodes of Bridgerton season four are available to stream now; part two comes out on Thursday February 26.