Gemma`s chosen character is Mary A Jedbal, aged 28 at the time of the 1861 census, a dressmaker at no 25 Norfolk Street – though Eauzone cafe bar now stands on the site of 25. We are planning that Gemma`s character will be supported by several others in a photo-shoot on location during May, and we are also working with Kirsten and Ross, students at Sunderland University. Kirsten is interested in Margaret Turnbull, a widowed schoolmistress at 13 Norfolk Street and Ross`s chosen character is the primitive methodist minister, Sampson Turner. So the photo-shoot is set to have a Victoriana feel, all characters from the 1861 census.
In our first meeting with Gemma, we discussed generalised misconceptions about burlesque. Going beyond, for example, one ill informed viewpoint that burlesque is little more than sleazy strippers on tables, the funders have put their faith in us to deliver a project that is interesting, different, entertaining …. our challenge is to be intellectual with a sexy edge.
We have taken photos of some of the architectural features that we feel might inspire costume design. It is not hard to see how black iron railings might resonate as striped stockings.
