9th October.

Today I had a meeting with my scenic painter, Emily and we covered a lot of different issues. Below are my thoughts and further research:

• I wanted the theatre to smell of woodsmoke to really give a feel of that medieval atmosphere. When I went on visits to medieval fairs etc the air would always smell of this and I think this improved the experience for me. Here is a link to an incense supplier I found; maybe we could burn  some incense before the show (H&S-be aware of this and clear before the play begins) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-INCENSE-STICKS-FOR-99P-SELECT-FROM-30-FRAGRANCES-/140601806159?pt=UK_Home_Fragrances&var=&hash=item20bc854d4f#ht_2977wt_986 OR http://www.yankee.co.uk/search/0/mountain%20lodge/search.aspx (Shows prices and fragrances). Incense sticks/diffusers are an option but it might be more economical to have a Yankee candle, as it will burn slower and I can see what it smells like before buying.
• The tavern signs will have a wash of colour to show the grain of the ply and they will be black on the back. I'm also hoping that the wall behind the tavern signs will be covered with the hessian curtains from In Extremis.
• We also looked at paint samples and I suggested a walnut with a satin finish (Ronseal Quick Drying is a good one) for the benches and chests. Above are some images I gave to Emily for the broken down look I want.                                 
• The last tavern sign is reflective, I think that it couldn't be a mirror as this might cause health and safety issues although I will talk this through with my production manager. Other options are silver leaf, silver paper, foil (this may be hard to do neatly).

Today I also had many discussions to do with the interpretation of some of the female costumes. I'm really enjoying this aspect of the production as it's very rewarding to see your designs progressing and developing. This is particularly to do with the Prioress. I essentially designed a texture I wanted to create,  however when this was interpreted on a small mannequin (see figures 1 and 2) it had the right look but I was concerned about when she moved and how effective this would be. Figures 3 and 4 show the other option which I think would create really interesting movement as she walked and it feels more medieval. Figure 5 is a picture of a carving of an unknown widow in 1340-50 from Scott, M (1986) The Fourteenth and Fifthteenth Centuries. UK: B.T. Batsford Ltd (p32). This was my inspiration for the hood and my idea was to follow this, however I think it might work really well if the pleats were just down the front. I will also see how this works with the finished toile.

Figure 1 above. Figure 2 Below.

 Figure 3.

 Figure 4.

Figure 5.

I also had discussions concerning Constance/Emilee's costume and the Wife of Bath.