Exclusive London-based theatrical production by David Bowie, secretly conceptualized, reenacts 18th-century evenings of affluent young men, frequently involving intoxication and aggressive actions towards city locals.

David Bowie, the iconic musician and artist, had a long-held ambition to venture into the world of theatre. His final public appearance was at the opening night of Lazarus in December 2015, but his theatrical aspirations didn't end there.

Before his untimely death in early 2016, Bowie was working on a new theatre project titled 'The Spectator'. This musical was set in 18th-century London, a city that fascinated Bowie with its juxtapositions between high and low, the virtuous and the criminal.

'The Spectator' was inspired by an early 18th-century periodical that commented on the comings and goings of polite London society. Bowie found the magazine's stories, particularly those about crime and punishment, captivating. Detailed notes about 'The Spectator' have been discovered in Bowie's office and donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

One of the intriguing elements in 'The Spectator' was the character of Jack Sheppard, a petty thief who became a public hero. The musical also featured the Mohocks, a group of young men of high social status known for attacking people on the streets of London. In one note, Bowie envisioned a public hanging with "surgeons fighting over corpses" in 'The Spectator'.

Sadly, the work on 'The Spectator' was left unfinished following Bowie's death. However, fans can now get a glimpse into the project at the new David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, which opens next week. The centre will house the notes for 'The Spectator', offering a unique insight into Bowie's creative process.

Bowie had done extensive research for 'The Spectator' and had devoted an entire notebook to stories from the magazine, rating them out of 10. This dedication to his work, even in the face of uncompleted projects, is a testament to Bowie's enduring passion for the arts.

The V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick is also the location of the Bowie Centre, a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing Bowie's work and influence. An online form is available for those who wish to view objects at the Bowie Centre.

Bowie's career was filled with uncompleted projects, but 'The Spectator' remains a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most influential artists. The new Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse offers fans a chance to delve deeper into this intriguing project and explore Bowie's enduring legacy.

Exclusive London-based theatrical production by David Bowie, secretly conceptualized, reenacts 18th-century evenings of affluent young men, frequently involving intoxication and aggressive actions towards city locals.