Hello, darlings! Your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, is back with another thrilling adventure into the history of our glorious art form: drag! This month, we're twirling back to 1938, and oh my darlings, get ready for a whole lot of glitz and glam! 💖
It’s so exciting for me to share my travels through time and let you know what was happening in drag during 1938. Don't you just adore how we have so many ways to be our most glamorous selves now!
You might think this was a time before drag was accepted and widely recognised as the amazing art form we see now, but oh honey, let me tell you, it was full of secrets and amazing talent!
You see, in those days, you had to be more sneaky about expressing your fabulousness. Drag was often shrouded in secrecy, particularly when it came to big city events like in New York and London. I’m so excited to let you in on a few of the amazing acts from those years! You won't believe the sheer talent and boldness they had.
My trusty time-travelling pink tutu whirled me away to April the 4th in New York City where I was at the Rialto Theatre, soaking in the glamour. It was the year's "Biggest Stage Spectacle" - I bet those crowds were living their best lives, darling! It was called "Hot Mikado", and I had to find out what all the fuss was about. You know how much I love me a good show.
My dears, what I saw was spectacular! It was a Broadway show reimagining a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The costumes! My eyes nearly popped out! So many stunning layers, extravagant embellishments, and an over-the-top show-stopping production that would even make me gasp with delight. I even managed to find some amazing antique photos that capture the vibrant era - they're a bit blurry, but that’s the essence of these "captured in time" moments isn't it? Just imagine a theatre bursting with glamorous stars in gorgeous costumes! And for some performances, they used drag. Yes, my loves!
Drag was often used for comic effect - these hilarious shows allowed some artists to portray characters outside of their usual performances. This was just a brilliant way to stretch creative boundaries!
As well as "Hot Mikado," other big names on the 4th April in 1938 included "Singin' in the Rain", and "Let's Make an Opera". Imagine what I must have seen! They all boasted extravagant sets and captivating costumes and it's a big reminder that sometimes the biggest hits are just what everyone needs to shake things up! I just wished I had managed to grab some snacks along the way!
You see, dear ones, even back then, drag was more than just a performance; it was a form of artistic rebellion and creative expression, showcasing both humor and beauty in a unique way! And remember my loves, drag has been a long time in the making and I want to make sure you never forget the heroes who made it all possible!
This incredible display of showmanship inspired me! The next morning, I set out on the time-traveling pink tutu and landed at a fabulous club in London called the "Ritz"!
You could really see the influence of Hollywood's glamour, but it was even bolder! I had to use all my street smarts just to be allowed through the doors of this underground haven! Imagine, so many flamboyant artists, a world of secrets and performance under the noses of a city.
The London drag queens back then often performed for underground audiences who didn’t make it to the “West End”. And they also pushed boundaries.
These early drag stars truly understood the art of disguise - not only of their faces and bodies, but their voices! Just like today, there are all sorts of drag personas from drag queens with camp comedy acts to glamorous queens who were also amazing dancers. It just goes to show the breadth and diversity of our scene.
After my glamorous evening in London, I landed in New York for an amazing Drag Ball! Imagine a whole event dedicated to showcasing drag and it's diversity! It truly is a celebration of drag as a true art form! There was even a “King of Drag Ball” competition. These drag events really brought the community together - I just wish they had glitter cannons for my journey through time. It's a shame they weren't invented then - what a time that would have been for me! I just love being amongst these amazing queens, all expressing their artistry and celebrating the diversity of the human experience. That’s why I try to do my best to represent it in all my journeys and all my blogs.
There was a rumour that the Drag Ball might feature the queen who’d made the papers, Mrs. Casey! A name that makes my time-travelling heart sing! Her story, oh my loves, is so moving! Even the police had to do a double take at her glam looks when she went out. They did even use Mrs. Casey's identity to find her when she’d disappeared after some high-profile crimes – in one of the cases, the real life drama included her robbing the stage door! Now that's true dedication to glamour, darling! You go girl!
While this is all about a very different time, darling, one of my absolute aims, like you know, is to create my very own amazing “drag ball” for the present. If we are talking a drag extravaganza then a ball is just the ticket. You all know how much I adore the sparkle, glamour and show-stopping moves. And we can make sure to do our very best to raise money and have a fabulous party too, darling.
I can’t believe I have found out all this incredible information about our drag queen heroes of history.
So darling, what did we learn today?
- Drag has been around for a long time - and is a real history-making moment that shows it’s all about creative expression, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to express themselves!
- There is something for everyone! It is all about a huge mix of style, looks, and artistic personas and ways of representing and performing!
- Let’s all strive to keep pushing those creative boundaries, celebrating everything, and make sure we are remembering the legacy of the brave and artistic drag icons that make up our world.
Remember to share this post with all your friends. I hope to see you all at my first Drag Ball soon, so I can have a chat about where our next drag adventure is going to be!
Oh my god. Until next month, darling, may your makeup be fabulous and your lipstick bold! 💖💄✨
