Hello Darlings!
Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, ready to take you on a magical trip through time, and today we're going to be stepping back to the gloriously glitzy 3rd of March, 1932! Buckle up your best pink-sequinned suspenders, darlings, because we're about to get our time-traveling tutus in a twist!
Now, as you know, my fabulous pink tutu allows me to hop through time and experience the amazing world of drag from its earliest glimmers to the present. Today's journey takes us back to a world on the cusp of massive cultural change!
Just think, it's just after the dawn of sound films in 1927, the first colour films were arriving, and radio was just getting big! The world was full of exciting possibilities - a fabulous stage set for a drag queen to make a splash. I'm bursting with anticipation!
First Stop: London Town!
You might be thinking that drag in the 1930s is about the likes of Dame Edith Evans in a drag-infused role! But, oh my darlings, there's so much more to this period!
One of my favourite drag icons of this era is the fabulous Julian Eltinge! A stage star known for his androgynous performances and amazing outfits. Eltinge became a huge sensation across the Atlantic, wowing audiences with his wit and camp sensibilities. He truly was a true drag queen trailblazer, proving that the magic of drag had no boundaries, no matter where it landed!
Imagine, a man performing in an all-girl review, bringing all those glorious showgirls, feathers, and dazzling costumes together. The fabulous drag queen pioneers like Eltinge were truly groundbreaking! Their shows, from revues in New York to glittering stages across the globe, brought glamour and a sense of daringly transgressive fun to the world. Oh to have seen them live - talk about real showstopping!
Then the World of Broadway!
Across the Pond in the United States, drag was just as alive and kicking in the bustling streets of New York City! The Palace Theatre - a legendary vaudeville hub - became the centre for all the glam and glittering of the day! Imagine a bustling space overflowing with show girls, drag queens, singers, dancers, and acts of all descriptions, it sounds like a real drag-tastic wonderland, just as camp and fabulous as today! The Palace's stages became a space for real boundary-pushing performers who were creating and defining the new face of drag in America, and the rest of the world!
If only my trusty pink tutu could make a splash in this era! I could learn so much from those amazing drag pioneers and contribute to the fabulous journey of drag history. Think of the vintage wigs, the feathered boas, and the glam makeup, oh it's all just too fabulous!
Shopping Spree Time!
And imagine the shopping in the 1930s, the glamour and luxury were like something out of a film set. The designs from Coco Chanel to Elsa Schiaparelli are now museum pieces. That incredible style of this era was about to inspire a generation!
This is the era where we really started to see the emergence of women's fashion become more bold and practical while maintaining that luxurious feel. Just think, the iconic bias-cut gown created by Chanel is a classic style which even we modern queens still love today. Can you believe, a dress like that cost a month's salary!
Now I know what you're thinking: “How about those feather boas?” Yes, my lovelies, you just wait! The iconic feather boa had its origins in the 1930s - a statement piece to add some extravagant glamour. I must confess, a beautiful feather boa can instantly transform any look into an impressive drag queen creation!
Imagine a tutu in a classic vintage 1930s fabric with a giant feather boa and sequins. This look, darling, would have you turning heads on any stage!
Glamour at the Theatre
But enough about the history of the 1930s – the main attraction for me is the theatre!
My journey today took me to the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly where they are currently performing "Murder in the Rue Morgue". It was amazing! I’m always looking for ideas and to see how other artists and creators make their dreams into reality on the stage!
A little theatrical history for you lovelies:
Did you know that in the 1930s theatre was a central part of cultural life in the United Kingdom? People had so much choice – revues, plays, music halls, opera! And even those famous black-and-white Hollywood films arrived in theatres as early as a couple of weeks after their premieres!
You know, we live in a world of digital downloads and streaming – can you imagine being in a packed, grand theatre with the buzz, the smell of popcorn, and the lights of the stage. Just a magical feeling, like you’re walking into another world.
Onward!
Time for me to hop back to the present now – there’s always so much to learn about the history of drag! But remember, drag has been here for as long as humans have been around. Think of the Romans and their plays – so much cross-dressing! It's in our history!
Remember to always keep the spirit of drag alive. Go to a show. Wear a fabulous tutu, and most of all make your own fashion history! The history of drag is a world of beauty, glamour, and so much fun!
Until next month my loves!
Emma.
