Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another fabulous decade in drag! It’s been another month of glorious gigs, fabulous fashion, and time-travelling adventures! And oh, let me tell you, this one was a real hoot!
As always, my monthly travel was fuelled by the most amazing gigs! A packed-out house in Chesterfield for my "Cabaret of Colour", with sequins, glitter, and a show-stopping performance of "It’s a Woman’s World" by my stunning lip-syncing alter ego, Miss Bubblegum. My tip jar was overflowing – thank you to everyone who donated, it helps me travel through time in style, and a big thank you to those who came in their tutus – you lot are just fabulous!
Now, onto my 5th May, 1955 journey!
Imagine my excitement when I realised I could be popping back to the 50s – it’s always been a fascinating era, and seeing it through the prism of drag history is a real treat. My little pink tutu, always reliable in its time-travelling magic, whirled me back to that iconic decade – and let me tell you, I was living for the vibes!
This month’s blog takes us to a drag scene, which, to put it mildly, was very much underground. The word "drag" itself was rarely used. It was known by various slang terms – "male impersonators," "female impersonators," and "crossdressers" were all pretty common. So what did I do on my mission to spread the love of pink tutus? I went in search of some legendary talent of that era, you see.
First stop? The Lion’s Head in Greenwich Village, New York City. This iconic bar had been the scene of some truly trailblazing drag performances in the 50s. And yes, while there weren’t a million pink tutus to be seen, the flamboyance was radiating off the walls. There I encountered Sylvia of Hollywood, one of the most celebrated female impersonators of the era, known for her flawless imitations of Hollywood starlets, which was a real shock to my senses in that "not yet totally socially accepting" world. Sylvia was glamorous and oozed star quality. I was truly inspired by her – a reminder that the journey to our vibrant, rainbow-bright drag world took countless pioneers!
But the fun didn’t stop there! On to Chicago I ventured next, and I swear, darling, you wouldn’t believe what I found! I’m not saying "underground drag club," but there was a secret "Masquerade Ball" happening on this very date! I slipped in undetected (because what’s a secret party without some surprise guests?!) and discovered an entire network of drag performers from Chicago’s burgeoning underground drag scene.
These performers were daring, innovative, and unafraid to express themselves. The fashion was a blend of couture and DIY creativity, and let me tell you, there was so much glamour! This era’s drag, while not mainstream, held a special charm with performers channeling some of the world’s most iconic women. You'd be amazed to hear some of the impersonators I witnessed!
The next stop on my 5th May itinerary was a quick journey across the pond to London, my home turf! Now, don't expect a big "drag show" – London in the 50s was just as apprehensive about the "drag" scene as America! Instead, it was the glamour of music hall that attracted me. While music hall did occasionally have performers who dared to challenge traditional gender roles, it wasn't a space solely for drag performers like it is today.
I found myself in the plush red seats of the London Palladium, the most prestigious music hall in London, ready for an extravagant evening of clowning and dancing, all so exciting for someone from Derbyshire, with the most impressive stage presence you can imagine, where the legendary Dame Gracie Fields, a trailblazer for women in showbiz, was wowing the audience!
But it wasn’t just Dame Gracie’s talent I was drawn to! It was the fashion! Even within the limitations of the era, these music hall performers, dressed in elegant attire that was daring for the time – shimmering gowns and sparkling dresses, they truly pushed the boundaries. Now that was glamorous and that was inspiring!
I was thrilled with how each performance brought a sprinkle of campy and glamorous chaos into their unique acts, showcasing true artistry and talent. Although far from the widespread embrace of drag that we see today, these shows truly showcased how this form of entertainment, this celebration of expression and individuality, has always held a special place in our world!
To me, these moments show just how much drag culture is about pushing boundaries, celebrating individuality and bringing a touch of glamor to the world, whether that was a daring stage act, a quiet basement gathering, or a London music hall! These shows helped pave the way for our amazing drag world.
So, darlings, take a moment to appreciate the pioneers – those who had the courage to express themselves, even when faced with social pressures. Their efforts helped pave the way for the diverse and fabulous drag world that we see today. And as always, remember to spread the love, rock those tutus, and keep on dazzling!
See you next month for another magical journey through time, darling!
Keep those tutus flowing, and let’s keep this world shimmering, baby!
Love,
Emma xx
