Costume design by Alix Stone for Eric Shilling as Lamprett Bellboys in "Penny for a Song", Sadler's Wells Opera, Sadler's Wells, October 31st 1967

Costume design for Phyllis Curtin as Ellen Orford and Johanna Peters as Mrs Sedley. The design depicts five full length female figures wearing mid 19th century style costume. The two figures on the left depicting Ellen Orford wear dresses in purple and blue. The central figure depicting Mrs Sedley wears a black dress and hat. The two figures on the right also depicting Mrs Sedley wear outdoor costumes of dresses and coats with bonnets. This final group has not been coloured in. The figures have been drawn and painted onto a wash of grey.

This costume design by Alix Stone is part of an extensive collection of designs purchased by the Theatre Museum directly from the artist in 1994. The design was executed for a production of Benjamin Britten's opera "Peter Grimes", performed by Scottish Opera at the Edinburgh King's Theatre, August 19th 1968. The libretto by Montagu Slater is based on George Crabbe's poem "The Borough". The production was conducted by Alexander Gibson; directed by Colin Graham; and lit by Charles Bristow. The cast included Richard Cassilly as Peter and Phyllis Curtin as Ellen Orford.

The production was later revived by Scottish Opera in the springs of 1973 and 1980, and by English National Opera North in the spring of 1979.

Reason For Production: Commission

S.246-2001