Hello my darling darlings,
It's Emma here, back again with another blast from the past – and by blast, I mean an actual time-traveling blast! Get ready, babes, because we're taking a little trip back to 9th September, 1943. Yes, that's right, the middle of World War Two! Now, I know what you're thinking – what on earth could possibly be happening in the world of drag in the middle of a global conflict? Well, I can assure you, my lovely, that the world of drag always has a way of adding a dash of sparkle and glitter, even amidst the darkest of times.
You might be surprised, darlings, to know that, despite everything going on, this particular date is a fascinating one for the world of drag. See, even when times are tough, the human spirit still yearns for a bit of entertainment, for a chance to escape and celebrate.
Now, this time, my magic pink tutu took me to the heart of London. Despite the air raids and wartime restrictions, a touch of glamour still prevailed. This evening, it was the legendary Windmill Theatre in Soho that was abuzz. Now, darling, the Windmill was truly something else - imagine a vibrant, cheeky variety show featuring singing, dancing, and, of course, a sprinkling of drag queens! Now, they were far from the glam-tastic ball-gown beauties you see strutting the stage these days. They were what we would call "Drag Kings", performers playing the roles of flamboyant male characters with all their exaggerated charm and wit. But my dears, their wit was sharp and their glamour was bold, all for a touch of humour and lightheartedness in a time of serious uncertainty.
I even caught a glimpse of Miss Dusty, a London darling renowned for her impersonations. It was simply extraordinary. They had to wear drab clothing by day because of the war, so they dressed for the stage, darling. They’d transform themselves to take on the persona of their theatrical alter ego, for a much needed dose of escapism! Imagine, dressing to impress after being dressed in browns and greys all day, they wanted to get away from the real world and embrace fantasy and fabulousness!
However, things weren't always sunshine and roses, darlings. The strict regulations enforced in Britain made performing, particularly anything related to drag, a risky affair. But, oh my dears, our girls had a way of dodging those pesky restrictions! They were always finding inventive ways to put on a show and entertain audiences, with all their ingenuity and flair. And trust me, my darlings, their audiences needed this dose of escapism and laughter - especially when everything seemed uncertain.
It is amazing what the theatre did in those days! Theatre is such a powerful art form and it gives audiences a powerful emotional response - there’s the highs and lows. Theatre was such a vital way of getting through wartime restrictions. It provided audiences a release valve - people could have a little laugh and a break from the news reports and hardships of everyday wartime life.
Remember, darling, it's always a good time for a little glamour, a touch of theatrics, and a big, glorious helping of love.
Now, remember you don’t need to go back in time to find a little bit of glamour - why not get yourself down to your local drag show tonight? Drag is still the hottest thing going on today, and the world of entertainment is alive and kicking, from small local drag bars, to massive shows and Broadway musicals! And don't forget to show off that pink tutu – we all need a bit of vibrant pink in our lives, darling!
Keep it glamorous, darlings,
Emma xxx
And that's just a taste of what was happening on the 9th September, 1943. Remember, my darlings, even in times of conflict, the human spirit still craves for entertainment. The magic of drag was (and still is!) an undeniable force! Don't forget to visit our website at www.pink-tutu.com for more adventures in pink tutu time travel.
A bit more about Emma:
*Emma is a fabulous young drag queen from Derbyshire, England. Having grown up watching fabulous Drag Race performances, Emma started taking classes to hone her talents in London at the age of 19. She was always drawn to the art of drag – the outfits, the theatre, the amazing personalities, and the fabulous energy and confidence on stage.
From there, she honed her talents at small London pubs and underground venues, all the time creating flamboyant costumes and make up looks, using what she could afford - thrift store buys and charity shop items. Then, on her 21st birthday, Emma discovered her true destiny - a magical, sparkly pink tutu with an inscription, " Time Travel." This, my dear darlings, started Emma's fascination and quest with her amazing time travel through history in the glamorous world of Drag Queens!
She's made countless trips through history with her Pink Tutu, going back to Ancient Rome to see how the Romans celebrated beauty and drama in theatre! She travelled to Shakespeare's London to find inspiration from theatre and the great story teller himself, and she’s been to America many times to watch the growth of drag from the 1930s to the fabulous era of the New York ballrooms in the 70s and 80s!
Emma is currently financing her time travelling through glamorous drag shows and, my dears, let me tell you she's a dazzling and vibrant drag queen with the sweetest spirit!
Remember to always have fun with your own style - embrace pink, embrace theatre and drag, and be kind!
Love, Emma!
