Hello my darlings, and welcome back to another thrilling edition of Pink-Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things sparkly, fabulous and oh-so-pink! As you all know, I’m Emma, your time-traveling, tutu-clad, drag-loving friend, ready to take you on a whimsical journey through the dazzling world of drag history.
This month, we’re zipping through the time vortex and landing ourselves in the fabulously flamboyant year of 1936, specifically March the 3rd, darling! It’s a bit chilly out here (I packed my feather boa!), but the world of drag is absolutely sizzling. Let’s get ready to vogue, darlings, it's time for a drag queen history lesson with a dash of glitter and a whole lot of fabulousness!
Now, you all know how much I adore a good old-fashioned show, and let me tell you, the world of entertainment was brimming with exciting news on this particular date. Our first stop takes us to the Majestic Theatre in Chicago. It’s a gorgeous venue, and tonight, it’s playing host to the one and only "Ziegfeld Follies." This legendary revue was the epitome of glam, packed with showstopping musical numbers, spectacular costumes, and of course, gorgeous showgirls. Now, the show was mostly about women, but believe you me, it was full of camp, with a delightful dash of drag thrown in for good measure. Imagine the fabulous costumes, the sparkling sets and, the dancing! Absolutely divine. It must have been pure magic!
Over in New York City the Paramount Theatre was showing a real spectacle of a movie, a musical extravaganza called "The Big Broadcast of 1936", a whopping two-and-a-half hours of song, dance, and glorious comedy. It features the stunning W.C. Fields (always a treat, darling!), but I bet you there were some fabulous drag moments too. I always imagine there was some delicious camp nestled amongst the performances – imagine! The Paramount is also showing "Follow the Fleet", with a song and dance number performed by a whole fleet of sailor lads… It must have been amazing! I'd love to grab a popcorn, put on a fabulous wig, and take in all the sights. Imagine the popcorn!
But it wasn't all about Hollywood, my dears! Across the pond, over in London, the West End theatre district was alive and kicking with some absolute must-see shows, with "Me and My Girl", "Anything Goes", and the **"The Wind and the Willow", all running strong. What fabulous productions! I love those musicals with great stories and spectacular song-and-dance numbers. These shows all ran in glorious splendor for years, darling. They'd be perfect to catch while wearing my fabulous, hand-stitched, pink feather boa! And don't even get me started on the costume designs, darlings. Simply breathtaking!
This whole 1930s vibe has got me thinking - I have to get some gorgeous vintage pieces to wear when I perform next. A splash of glamour with some pink, some sequined fabulousness…it'll have them singing my praises!
I love that time travel has its benefits, darling. We have this amazing view into the history of entertainment, but I also have to think of my future fashion choices... which of these 1930s looks are making it into my 21st century drag wardrobe?! I love seeing how fashions have changed over the years. Oh my gosh, just think how we have evolved... I have the utmost respect for all the glamorous, fabulous, fierce and fearless performers of this time! Their artistry is incredible!
But of course, what’s drag without a fabulous bit of community and nightlife? I know there were amazing drag bars all over the globe, but I haven't gotten specific details just yet - this is still my first trip to 1936, you see! I haven’t had a chance to really scout out the fabulous scene just yet, I was so mesmerised by those theatrical shows! Maybe you'll share some intel on the 1936 drag scene with me on the Pink-Tutu forum and we can swap stories together? I think a few of the drag divas here would have something exciting to tell us.
Well, my lovely readers, my pink tutu needs to pack up, so I’ll be signing off for now. Until next time, remember:
- Always Embrace Your Pink: It’s a colour for life!
- Dare to be different: Wear a tutu with confidence, even if everyone else is in a ballgown. You can still rock a fabulous silhouette.
- Don’t forget to leave your worries at the door: We're all just here for a good time!
Love always,
Emma.
Don't forget to visit our online store at www.pink-tutu.com for the latest tutu designs and drag apparel! And leave a comment about the blog! Let me know about all of the fabulous, and maybe a bit naughty, things that you want me to dig out for the next installment!
