Arts Bournemouth University students produce ‘Bridgerton Style’ costumer for opera at Christchurch’s The Regent

LOCAL students produced stunning Bridgerton-style costumes for the cast behind opera La Cenerentola performed at Christchurch’s Regent Centre.

Hurn Court Opera collaborated with Arts University Bournemouth for the first time to create the “incredibly historically accurate” Regency dresses.

Wayne Martin, senior lecturer for AUB’s BA (Hons) Costume course, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to get real-life experience and to know their dresses will be seen on the stage by so many - it’s just wonderful for them.”

Olivia Wood, who made the ball gown for heroine of the opera Angelina, said: “I loved working on this dress. I love period costume dramas like Bridgerton, but I do get frustrated when they’re not historically accurate.

“This ball gown is made up of many layers of fabric; it's got a slip dress, a main dress, and an overlay.

“Women wore colourful slips underneath sheer overlays, which changed the overall colour of the dress. I adjusted the pattern on the big puff sleeves so there's these little triangle van dykes and sequins for that extra sparkle on stage.”

Hurn Court Opera’s founder, Lynton Atkinson, said: “This is our first collaboration with AUB students, and we’re absolutely blown away by their talent.

“The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is extraordinary. The costumes will not only help our cast fully embody their characters and deliver their best performances, but they’ll also look fantastic on stage!”

La Cenerentola, which tells the story of a kindhearted girl who is mistreated by her wicked stepfather, was also performed in Winchester and Blandford.

The title role of La Cenerentola, otherwise known as Angelina, was performed by rising star mezzo-soprano Leila Zanette.