In the autumn of 2022, I worked at the Royal Exchange Theatre on a design placement. The placement was supported by the Hodgkiss Family and provided me with the opportunity to gain a practical understanding of how large-scale theatre is produced.
As part of the placement, I assisted the award-winning designer, Amelia Jane Hankin, on the production, 'Let the Right One In'. It was amazing to watch Amelia work and witness her amazing creations come to life. Stationed across the costume, make-up and hair departments – with regular visits to rehearsals and the build-in – I experienced the different stages of the design process. My favourite part of the experience was working backstage during the previews and creating blood bags for the grizzly shows!
Towards the end of the placement, I also designed my own show in the Royal Exchange Studio Theatre! The production, called Fright Night, was written by Samuel Rossiter, afshan d’souza-lohdi, and Stefanie Reynolds. It explored themes of mental illness and violence, and it was commissioned as part of the Exchange's DISRVPT programme. As the Set and Costume Designer for Fright Night, I had the thrilling experience of exploring the Exchange's vast costume and prop stores for items and inspiration. My budget was modest, and it was exciting trying to find creative ways to make it stretch as far as possible. Here are some snaps from the show!
I loved my time at the Royal Exchange Theatre! Thanks to the special team of people that welcomed me in and invested in my artistic development! My instagram post below features some of my highlights, as well as an ASMR inspired clip of me pulling off the tape of a recently painted set piece for Let the Right One In.
