London's elite young gentlemen, often found intoxicated at night, viciously assaulting people in the streets during the 18th century, was the backdrop for David Bowie's covert theatrical endeavor, established in the very same streets of London.

Discovered documents linked to The Spectator in his New York workspace

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2025 September 15 . 12:31 PM

2 min read

Gang of elite males, often intoxicated, assaulting citizens at night in 18th-century London... — Gang of elite males, often intoxicated, assaulting citizens at night in 18th-century London setting, as portrayed in David Bowie's covert theatrical endeavor.

London's elite young gentlemen, often found intoxicated at night, viciously assaulting people in the streets during the 18th century, was the backdrop for David Bowie's covert theatrical endeavor, established in the very same streets of London.

David Bowie's Unfinished Masterpiece 'The Spectator' to be Exhibited at V&A East

David Bowie, the legendary musician and cultural icon, had a deep fascination with 18th-century London, and this passion extended to his unfinished theatre project, 'The Spectator'. The new David Bowie Centre, opening at the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick on September 13, will showcase Bowie's extensive research and notes for this ambitious project.

'The Spectator' was a musical set in 18th-century London, drawing inspiration from an early periodical that commented on the comings and goings of polite society. Bowie delved deep into the world of this era, exploring themes of high and low, virtuous and criminal, as well as the intriguing aspects of crime and punishment.

The musical featured various juxtapositions, much like the original 'The Spectator', a publication that was known for its sharp wit and satire. One of the subjects Bowie explored was the infamous Mohocks, a group of young men of high social status who were notorious for their attacks on the streets of London in the early 1700s.

Bowie's notes, which have been donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum, reveal his meticulous approach to the project. He even went so far as to rate stories from the original 'The Spectator', demonstrating his dedication to capturing the essence of the period.

However, it is unclear if 'The Spectator' would have ever been completed, as Bowie's career was filled with uncompleted projects. Despite this, his ambition to write for the theatre was fulfilled before his death in early 2016. His last public appearance was at the opening night of the off-Broadway production of Lazarus in December 2015.

For fans of Bowie and those interested in his creative process, the new David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse offers a unique opportunity to view the notes and research behind 'The Spectator'. To view objects at the Bowie Centre, an online form can be filled out.

Bowie's 'The Spectator' serves as a testament to his enduring fascination with 18th-century London and his commitment to exploring the complexities of this era. The upcoming exhibition at the V&A East Storehouse promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into this unfinished masterpiece.