Beautful Hereford...Oh and I did a show!

In June I went to Hereford where I helped out Nina Bertolone, in making and sourcing the Costumes for a promenade theatre production, based on the book The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky called Dead or Alive.

As the theme was Tradional Russia we had to make quite a few of the Costumes, and source where we could. Obviously having a small budget, there often isn't much money for lovely, beautiful authentic hired costumes. 
So I put my skills to the test and made 7 full costumes within a week.
 Was so much fun, having a small workroom to myself, being creative with my sewing machine. It actually gave me a new found love for making clothes again, the satisfaction that comes from it, is really great. 

I made a chef hat...

This actor had to play 4 different characters, so to differentiate between them, we created some accessories which he could wear to portray each character. 








The Three Brothers...

The brother on the left's waistcoat was made entirely by myself, and styled by me too,
it is the traditional Russian regional dress.  
                                                           








This was a fantastic production, and I have fallen in love with Herefordshire! 
We took the production to Hay-on-Wye book festival (as the piece is based on a book!), which has got to be one of the most beautiful parts of Britain I have seen. 
Richard Boothe's book shop was where we held the play; a magical old building which is the largest second hand bookshop in the country. It's floor boards alone made me want to move in instantly. 

This was such an amazing job, and I loved going away to the countryside for it (being a farm girl and all!) So if anyone wants to give me any more jobs out near Hereford way...by all means, the offers are always welcome!

Hereford Cathedral on a warm Summer's day.

Finally Mobile!

Passed my driving test, first time! And got myself a gorgeous little car, named Ruby, fitting I think!

Now able to get around, and it's amazing, love the freedom, along with being able do location work now...

Happy Driving.

Attempts On Her Life - Final Images

These are some final photographs of my Styling for Attempts on her Life, Directed by Paul Rider and Written by Martin Crimp. 

Photographer, Robin Savage

Arts Educational Schools, London

Attempts on her Life by Martin Crimp

Directed by Paul Rider

I have recently finished my first hired job out of Uni at Arts Ed in Chiswick. It was great to design the costumes for such an abstract piece of writing, and felt that Paul Rider's approach to this post-modernist piece of theatre was brilliant. The concept, revolving around a trendy Shorditch loft-convertion office was great to work with. I managed to involve my knowledge of emerging sub-culture/street style into it, not to mention getting the majority of my research by going to trendy East London bars!

There were lots of laughs and giggles about my styling options for some of the actors, which was fine by me, as it meant I was adding to the humour of the play.
It was great to see my designs come to life on the actors, and I'm so greatful for them making my ideas look so good!

Congratulations!

Graduation

On the 1st July 2011, I graduated from my BA (Hons) degree with a 2:1.
It was a really special day for all, and I had one of the best of times, celebrating with my family and friends was really gratifying and a great way to (unfortunately) end an era.

Thought I might show some photos of the special day!

The Lewis Family

Ready and poised for the tradiational hat throw

Enjoying a nice glass of Champagne at the reception

...if only everyday we could look this smart!

Exhibition

Costume with Performance Design - A Thread Runs Thrugh It.

This was display for the End of Year exhibition.
I displayed my work for Threepenny Opera, including four costume designs, story boards of set, and my lit model box.

Exhibtions are fun!

Final Project

Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht

Theoretical Theatre Project


Set Box - Scene 2b

For my second part of my Final Major project at Uni, I have been designing the stage and costume for a theoretically set production of Threepenny Opera. I wanted to set this in 1953, of a real Queen's coronation, as opposed to the traditional setting of the play, Victorian. For the project I wanted to base the production in Soho Theatre, as this added a nice touch that the story is set in Soho.
Trying to put as much of reality into the theoretically set production, I wanted to give myself a fairly small budget, and stick to designing costumes from being either hired, or sourced, this to me, made it more relevant to the industry, and also more relevant to how I may be working in the near future.

Taking inspiration from both 1953, and also with elements of present day trends and styling, I came up with costume designs that would work for a modern audience, yet still be in keeping with the time I had set.
Macheath is probably my most favourite design, as he represents the emerging sub-culture trend and youth of the 1950's, the Teddy boy. I wanted to interpret the gangster character of Mac, into a 1950's model, and felt that the model of a young Ted would depict this character well.

The love interests of Mac have strong character concepts when it comes to their costume, I have tried to portray each ones characteristics through their silhouette and choice of styling.

The characters of Mr. and Mrs. Peachum, are what one could call, 1950's 'chavs'! I really enjoy making connections to period characters with modern day equivalents. I chose to represent this through a cartoon affect, of tight leopard print on Mrs. and Burberry print on Mr. The fact that their costumes are slightly warmer in tone also is that it makes them seem lighter. They are never too serious, and usually encourage the most amount of laughs.

I am really pleased with my outcome for this project, and would actually really love for it have been a real event, as I have had so much fun designing it...I guess I just need a director and producer now...and some actors...oh and a budget wouldn't hurt....! :)