The project I am working on at the moment is design for Opera, we have been able to choose between either 'The Beggar's Opera' or 'The Threepenny Opera.' Easily swayed by the fact that Threepenny's script refers to Victorian London I made my choice pretty quickly!

Early on in my research I came across a beautifully written, atmospheric description of the East End in Victorian London, written in 1881 by Richard Rowe, it describes the 'Gloomily picturesque panorama' where buildings are 'Veiled' in a 'Wilderness of mysterious murk.' This has inspired the aesthetic of my project and mad me focus on the idea of smog, shadow and deception. Here is how I have been getting on.....

Painting to music. That big black intruding mark? Macheath.

The orange is Mrs Peachum. Walking over everyone else. Domineering, noticeable, not one to cross.

Today I have been experimenting with silhouette for Filch and Mrs Peachum before drawing their designs.

Filch and a beggar.

Group of beggars.

Mrs Peachum's hands on hips.

Mrs Peachum. Comic proportions that are verging on unattractive.

Side profile?

Working from the 3D forms and shadows. The calico and cork are Filch!

Images from my Filch and Beggar moodboard all focusing on the idea of exaggerated and comic disguise.

Final Design.

Mrs Peachum moodboard. Gaudy,  tough and rough, stolen jewellery, OTT.

Final design in progress.

Only about another 10 or so to go!