Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, Emma, here!
This month’s jaunt has taken me back to a glorious night in September 1928. Oh, the excitement, the drama, the sheer fabulousness! I've just had the most fabulous time at the Gaiety Theatre in London, witnessing the exquisite talents of some truly pioneering queens. This trip took me right to the heart of the Roaring Twenties and believe me, the drag scene was living!
Now, if you haven’t got your tickets for my Absolutely Divine show next Saturday night at The Derby Playhouse in Derbyshire, do grab yourself one quick! You can find details on www.pink-tutu.com – just click the “Get Tickets Now” button and let the magic commence. But let’s dive into the incredible world of drag from back in 1928.
Imagine, my darlings, the streets of London all lit up, jazz music drifting from speakeasies, and everyone dressed in those iconic flapper dresses. Just a touch of Gatsby, right? The air buzzed with excitement, and what better place to be than at the Gaiety, where the fabulous Lily Elsie was about to grace the stage with her divine talents.
Oh, Lily, a true star of her day, captivating audiences with her talent for creating such exquisite stage presence! Just imagine, she took the stage, adorned in an elegant gown, shining under those powerful stage lights – just heavenly, and such a glorious example of how the world embraced female impersonation in its most glamourous forms back then.
Lily Elsie, an exquisite example of female impersonation, took on the title role of The Blue Bird in this fabulous production. Oh, the feathered costumes, the sparkling embellishments, it all was just swoon worthy. But Lily, bless her heart, she went beyond just being an elegant beauty; her talents went beyond those beautiful feathers, to truly make this role a tour-de-force. You know, my darlings, I’ve seen countless shows across my time-traveling adventures, but that night was a real testament to the sheer power of a performance. The way Lily could command the stage, connect with the audience, and truly embody the role… she just owned the entire space, and she did it all while looking so stunning, and let’s not forget – rocking a pink tutu of her own! The ultimate fashion icon!
You see, my darlings, the world of drag back then wasn't always glamorous – sometimes it meant taking risks, facing judgement, but for stars like Lily, it meant forging a path that we all benefit from today.
Speaking of forging paths, my next time travel journey is already in the works! It will take me to New York, in the mid 1930s, where the scene is totally different - much more about cabaret, nightclubs, and oh the dazzling, high-kicking glamour of those famous shows at places like The Cotton Club! The excitement and energy are simply electrifying! But back to 1928, it's simply enchanting to see the seeds of modern drag blossoming, ready to bloom in such wonderful ways.
Now, let’s talk fashion, shall we? I've spotted a fabulous new collection by a wonderful local designer who’s creating truly show-stopping gowns, adorned with feathers and shimmering sequins! Honestly, the detail on these dresses is something to behold – each piece a mini masterpiece of creative fashion! My dear, if you're looking for a fabulous outfit for your next night out, take my word, her creations are truly divine. I might even be wearing one next weekend! But more about that later! I have some ideas for my next Absolutely Divine show at The Derby Playhouse – I am dreaming of creating an absolutely magnificent entrance! Oh, but back to the history:
Before Lily took to the stage, there were these dazzling singers, actresses, and even the most enchanting dancing boys who added a touch of burlesque charm to the evening. Now, these fabulous gentlemen knew how to make the crowds cheer! It was like stepping into a glamorous old-time film - all glittering sequins and cheeky smiles.
The thing is, there was a lot of diversity even back in the 1920s – drag, like our beloved pink tutus, always had room for everyone! I also bumped into an absolutely fantastic drag queen who called himself "Betty." (Betty - what a classic drag name, don’t you think?) Now Betty's act was filled with campy humour, incredible storytelling, and just a dash of mischief, my dear! Just watching him interact with the audience was a real treat, and that voice? Absolutely heavenly, a velvet smooth vocal delivery. Imagine, his stage persona was this bold, charismatic creature who owned the stage, and his drag just radiated that energy. Just simply delightful!
But remember, drag back then was often a very delicate balance – sometimes a step into the spotlight could bring backlash from society’s judgemental views. However, these stars, just like our amazing queens today, paved the way for everyone to live their truth.
There’s so much history to learn about in the world of drag, my darlings. Every journey, every queen, every show, even in the Roaring Twenties, plays a role in making today’s drag scene such a diverse, dazzling force for good.
Just like my time-traveling pink tutu, we’ve evolved to become something so much more beautiful! We're not just about sequins, we’re about expression, about embracing your true self. So let’s continue celebrating our queens and our fabulous past – I promise I will, one fabulous time-travel adventure at a time!
For those of you who have been asking about my latest creations, the first collection of pink tutu accessories will be hitting the online shop soon! I can't reveal any sneak peeks just yet - but it's definitely time to up your fashion game and “Make it pink!”. So watch this space for those exciting updates! And please, don't forget to subscribe to the blog at www.pink-tutu.com for even more fascinating drag-tastic adventures – it’s free, and a fabulous way to make your world even more dazzling! Until next month, stay fabulous and never lose the power of a twirl!
Yours truly, Emma, the Time-Traveling, Pink Tutu Queen