Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen, ready to take you on a trip down memory lane. This month, we're stepping into the vibrant world of drag in April 1953! Get ready to sparkle, dears, because this era was absolutely overflowing with fabulousness.
As usual, my magical pink tutu has whisked me away to a different time, and this time, it's landed me smack bang in the heart of London. Now, before I get carried away by the history of the era, let me give you a little taste of what was happening in the wider world: The world was still reeling from World War II, Queen Elizabeth II was freshly crowned monarch, and we were on the cusp of the rock and roll revolution! Can you believe it?
Right then, enough of the serious stuff, let's get back to the glam, darlings! What's on the drag scene?
Firstly, I was astounded to discover a fantastic little bar called "The Gatehouse," a veritable den of drag in Soho, London. It was a little clandestine haven for a drag scene that, let's face it, wasn't exactly plastered on every billboard, but that was part of its allure. Can you imagine? It must have been so exciting to be part of this secretive, electrifying scene. The world was a bit different back then, and the drag scene, although definitely thriving, operated more under the radar. Imagine having to get ready for a show in a cramped backroom, perhaps dodging a bit of disapproval along the way. These early pioneers were truly brave!
Imagine that fabulous sense of community! It was a real haven for creativity, a place where individuals could express themselves through their performances. I'm sure it was absolutely bursting with flamboyant performances. Imagine a stage filled with sequins, feathers and maybe a bit of cheeky banter. Can you picture a group of gorgeous queens singing, lip syncing and doing the Charleston under the low-hanging disco ball of the day? You just know that, at The Gatehouse, everyone was doing what they did best - making sure their hearts were singing and their spirits soaring!
While London was the heart of drag in the UK, the world was full of glamorous secrets, It seems the Americans had some amazing shows going on as well. A friend told me about “The Red Garter,” a famous New York bar, it sounds like an incredible drag hot spot. Apparently it had everything from cabaret style performance to dancing, you can bet it was a proper show stopping venue for fabulous, gorgeous queens who loved the theatrical, making their mark in the American entertainment scene.
I absolutely adore the way drag and its culture continues to change and adapt with the times. Think of the brave drag queens of 1953! They were trailblazers who helped lay the foundations for the incredible drag scenes we know and love today! They weren’t always met with open arms, but they persisted and pushed boundaries. I think about them when I don’t get booked for a gig and I just want to give up. But then, I imagine myself with a magnificent costume on a tiny, little, smoke-filled stage with an audience staring in admiration - I remember that magic, that fierce passion, that desire to bring some laughter and glitz to a sometimes dull world.
Talking of dazzling, dearies, what was a drag queen in 1953 like? Did they have those incredible feathered eyelashes we all know and love now? Did they wear sequins galore? Now, the fashion back then wasn't as OTT as it is today - a far cry from our glitter bombs, extra-large wigs and those sensational high-platform shoes, But think classic glam! I imagine glamorous dresses, sharp makeup, elegant silhouettes with an air of mystery, all tied up with an unmistakable attitude that had everyone mesmerized. It’s easy to see where the inspirations come from. Think Grace Kelly with a touch of vintage Hollywood, but a little more risqué - just a whisper of the boldness that was simmering just beneath the surface of society. If you could imagine a bit of Vivienne Westwood mixed with 1950s styling and an irresistible dash of sass you’d have an idea!
To give you an idea, there was a particular queen that I’m thinking about... The story goes that her costumes were absolutely outrageous, and her persona was something out of an MGM film - lots of high glamour and drama, with just a hint of scandal! It takes so much guts to be the most daring performer on stage. You have to live a big, colourful, flamboyant life - and make sure your outfits are every bit as fabulous!
I have to admit that I do love the extravagance of the contemporary drag scene with its massive gowns, but for me, there’s nothing quite like the understated glam and seductive charm of the drag style of the 50s. You had to be a master of illusion and know how to work your body, your smile and your fabulous dress. There were no big hairspray clouds to hide behind – just pure style and a captivating attitude. They were definitely the pioneers who pushed those boundaries, opening the door for us modern day queens! You just have to admire their resourcefulness - it must have taken a real skill to create costumes with so little. And their makeup! Think big and glamorous - strong red lips, a cat-eye flick to die for, and a flawless base. A bit like me really, but, y’know, on a larger scale with, dare I say it, a little more experience!
So, that's my journey to April 1953! It was amazing to experience the drag scene in its early days! A time where queens were a hidden gem in the bustling nightlife of a different era. They were breaking down boundaries, creating magic in those smoke-filled rooms and making history with every glitter bomb and every shimmy, shimmy! Now that is something worth celebrating!
As always, I encourage you to join me on the website for our fabulous community. And, please do let me know if you're heading to any drag shows in your town - I love to hear about the latest in drag news. And remember, darling, if you’ve always dreamed of owning your own fabulous pink tutu… it's not a dream, it’s a command! You're the leading lady of your own story, and there's nothing stopping you.
Until next time, Emma! xxx
