SKIN DEEP - a satirical opera-tion for Elmwood

28 January 2009

Elmwood has created branding for 'Skin Deep', an Opera North world premiere, brought to us by leading composer David Sawer and multi-award winning writer and broadcaster Armando Iannucci.

Skin Deep is a satirical operetta based in a world obsessed with beauty, set in a cosmetic surgery where Dr Needlemeier is concocting his own elixir of youth from discarded body parts of the rich and famous.

A series of 'mix and match' faces were used on posters and leaflets to express the dark humour and intriguing peculiarity of the piece, showing how changing and combining random features can lead to an unexpected and ridiculous whole.

Perforations were used to add an interactive element, allowing people to create their own bizarre face combinations.

The design and image have been used extensively by press and PR at Opera North, and has featured widely in magazine publications, national and regional press.

Leeds Grand Theatre 16, 24, 30 January; 4,11 February; Sadler's Wells, London 17, 19 February; The Lowry, Salford Quays 26 February; Theatre Royal Newcastle 4 March (http://www.goskindeep.com)