Pelham Puppet trio redressed as the burlesque strippers from Stephen Sondheim's musical Gypsy

These three puppets are individually styled to represent the three strippers in the 'You've got to have a gimmick' scene from the musical Gypsy. 

Multiple materials were used and there was extensive work done to the hair and re-painting the shoes. The bodices were stiffened, glittered buckram, corset laced onto the naturalistic, moulded Pelham body. The feet and faces were repainted or retouched depending on the character.

The stripper characters represent a balletic butterfly, a gladiatrix (complete with glittery, felt Roman helmet and pointy breast armour plate) and an electric-lit, starry night sky - who really lights up with small LED bulbs sewn into her costume. Everything is topped off with lots of feathers: chicken and marabou.

This project was great fun to do! I absolutely adore anything Sondheim and Gypsy really resonates with me. The three jaded strippers are fascinating characters and their number is hilarious - as well as having a sad tired edge in performance, which always makes you think. It certainly is an education for Louise who is shortly to become the famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee.

For another of my dancing trio of characters visit 

- Can-Can Dancers!

 

Created by Alexander Sanderson Designs