The Dressing Book - The Rude Mechanical Theatre Co.

About

This original play by The Rudes set in 1795 Tunbridge Wells plays games with time and social status and has a twist in the tail. It follows the ‘social round’ of Maybelline Erstwhile who records which dresses she wears for each event in her ‘dressing book’ - and the men she encounters while wearing them.

There had been a spat concerning a gown, examples of which two women had worn to The Pantiles Annual Ball in Tunbridge Wells - a damask robe à la française with sleeves finished in a ruffle of dimity and fine English net lace. The play opens a window on the way clothes were a means by which men could control the separated public and private worlds of women. Through a process of magic realism, the action changes to the 1960’s and Maybelline's clothes, which had been her prison, now set her free.

The show is outdoors so bring a low backed chair, warm clothes & a picnic.