Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1061165
similar footprints for both Mary and Elizabeth in terms of shape and size—Elizabeth's bedchamber is a perfect octagon, High Gothic and symmetrical, ordered and finite. There is an intricate rood screen that divides the space—where the ladies wait on and watch, whilst Elizabeth 'entertains' Dudley behind closed curtains within her barren royal bed. This juxtaposes with Mary's bedchamber—still based on the octagon but with Escher-style spiral staircases, like tendrils, leading off to unknown spaces—it is still growing and organic. It has fertile walls that breathe with the dampness of the Glens, seeping up the bed drapes as Mary 'entertains' her Darnley. The majority of the action happens in the Holyrood Castle interior and in Elizabeth's bedchamber. Hence, it was worth building—financially and practically—these sets at Pinewood Studios. Because the budget was challenging, I designed a composite set for Holyrood. It was on two levels C. HAMPTON COURT QUEEN'S CHAMBER, ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS BAKER. D. HAMPTON COURT QUEEN'S CHAMBER M STAGE - PINEWOOD, PLAN DRAWN BY GAVIN FITCH. E. INTERIOR HOLYROOD PLAN, R STAGE - PINEWOOD. PLAN DRAWN BY TOBY BRITTON. F. INT. HOLYROOD QUEEN'S BEDCHAMBER. ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS BAKER. C D E F