X
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Illustration
Craft
Video
Brand Identity
Craft
Video
Brand Identity
I work with BA Musical Theatre at Falmouth University to create the poster for their degree production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”.
In this “play-within-a-play” adaptation of Charles Dicken’s unfinished novel of the same title, the audience are invited to vote on key plot questions by the cast of fictional Victorian theatre company “The Music Hall Royale”,
who then contrive an ending in accordance to the specifications chosen and the unfinished plot is solved.
Handed the challenging task of producing a compelling and dramatic identity for this unique and multi-layered show, I indulge in an innovative design idea that aims to speak to the show’s duality and mystery through the manipulation of shadows.
Handed the challenging task of producing a compelling and dramatic identity for this unique and multi-layered show, I indulge in an innovative design idea that aims to speak to the show’s duality and mystery through the manipulation of shadows.
Show Photography Leah Kelley
February 2026
Lewis Butler
Course Leader & Show Director
Course Leader & Show Director
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jake on our 3rd year production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, where he designed the poster, signage and later in the process, the development of pre-show projections. From our first meeting, Jake was completely involved in the process and was proactive in arranging meetings as the process evolved. From my initial, very sketchy ideas about what the poster design could be, Jake ran creatively and produced something far better than I could have imagined or envisioned.
It’s clear from his work throughout the process that he spent a lot of time not just engaging with my ideas, but researching the piece, era and world we were hoping to portray. The final poster design was imaginative and contemporary, whilst having a clear grounding in the Victorian musical hall and our new take on the piece. As a creative, I felt he really listened to my ideas, however mad, and was able to nurture them into something truly reflecting our piece.
Later in the process Jake came to me with ideas about using projections during the pre-show. I am really happy we were able to go with these as they added yet another level to setting the scene and enabling the audience to truly embrace the world they were about to be thrown in to. Jake’s care, attention and research on this project have been evident from the start. His work added an extra level of excitement and interest throughout.”
It’s clear from his work throughout the process that he spent a lot of time not just engaging with my ideas, but researching the piece, era and world we were hoping to portray. The final poster design was imaginative and contemporary, whilst having a clear grounding in the Victorian musical hall and our new take on the piece. As a creative, I felt he really listened to my ideas, however mad, and was able to nurture them into something truly reflecting our piece.
Later in the process Jake came to me with ideas about using projections during the pre-show. I am really happy we were able to go with these as they added yet another level to setting the scene and enabling the audience to truly embrace the world they were about to be thrown in to. Jake’s care, attention and research on this project have been evident from the start. His work added an extra level of excitement and interest throughout.”