Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, bringing you another monthly dose of fabulousness from the wonderful world of Drag Queen History!
Now, before we get started, lemme just tell you – I've been having a truly divine time in the past! And, wouldn’t you know it, November 11th, 1956, was just brimming with delightful drag drama. This is, as you know, the month I dedicate to bringing you all the latest and greatest from the archives – with a sprinkle of my own sparkly brand of whimsy, of course!
Remember, darlings, this is about embracing the history of drag! Not to say you can’t embrace some fab, modern styles while you’re at it, because oh, honey, you certainly can! 😉 We love to celebrate the roots of our glorious drag family! It’s important to acknowledge the trailblazers who paved the way for us to sashay, strut and shine!
Let’s get to the heart of this month's adventure!
A Glittering Glitz Through The ArchivesThis month, I set my sparkly time-traveling pink tutu (which, by the way, needs a bit of a scrub after this trip – it's been mingling with some very glamorous vintage sequins!) to November 11th, 1956. Now, this date holds some fascinating little nuggets of drag history, just waiting to be explored.
Picture this: The year is 1956, the world is still reeling from the glamour of World War Two, and we're in the thick of a brand-new, fab era! The rise of Rock 'n' Roll was about to completely change everything, but for drag, it meant a brand-new canvas. Think: Liberated vibes, a touch of rebelliousness, and enough sass to fill a whole cabaret. This was a golden age for experimentation! Drag artists across the globe were playing with gender, with fashion, with expression, with performance. Think drag shows with a cheeky twist, bursting with creative energy, all done on shoestring budgets but overflowing with love for the craft!
A Drag Queen's Guide to 19561956 was all about taking risks and leaving your mark. So, I spent the day diving deep into the heart of this year, tracking down hidden gems in forgotten magazines, obscure news clippings, and, dare I say it, even dusty old disco balls (seriously, they were practically antiques back then!).
Remember, I started my blog to show the world that drag queens don't come from the movies and tv shows we see. That we've been in society all this time, working in our own fabulous ways and adding some fabulous to society itself. We just haven't all been shown to you yet.
And I promise, my loves, this story is filled with so many juicy tidbits. Let's start with a look at some key trends from that year:
The Glamour of the Nightclub: Think swanky supper clubs, smoky cocktail lounges, and dance floors where sequins glittered like diamonds! This was the heyday of big hair, big eyelashes, and a touch of naughty glamour, darling!
The Rising Stars: Many iconic performers and stars, from the musical theatre world and from early American TV, got their start in drag at this time. It was a fabulous fusion of entertainment, fashion, and art!
From The Streets to The Stage: 1956 wasn't just about nightclubs – drag performance was alive and well in theaters! Imagine drag queens entertaining crowds with their wit and charm in both big productions and smaller, more intimate venues. Drag had begun its rise towards the glamorous powerhouse we see today!
I always find my way back to dear ol’ England, and I have to tell you: 1956 saw a massive shift in drag culture across the pond! London, my dear, was just buzzing with all things drag, with nightclubs and theatre venues that pulsed with creative energy. And you better believe, this is where I landed first with my dazzling pink tutu!
Now, if you think this wasn’t a glamorous sight, just picture it: me, shimmering under the London streetlights, heading into the iconic Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square – where I saw the most delightful production of "The Power of the Dog" starring John Osborne! Imagine, dear loves, a raw and gritty piece about love, life and rebellion. That's what London was all about: Pushing the boundaries and embracing the power of theatricality, even for those venturing outside of conventional drama!
But honey, I also wanted to see the drag scene, and I wanted to go on the night of 11th November. So I found my way to a tiny theatre, one you might only have heard whispers about - The Mermaid Theatre. In those days, it was a small venue tucked away, right next to a park, where a diverse range of performers, including drag stars, held the audience rapt. What was wonderful is that the audience was just as diverse, a beautiful mix of bohemians, theater critics, even people with the air of privilege coming out to get away from the stiff, dull side of society. Imagine all of them, dressed in a stunning mix of glamour and avant garde fashion, mesmerized by the performers. Talk about inspiration!
While I didn't see any actual drag performers that evening (sadly!), I met the most adorable lady with ruby red hair in a fabulous feathered hat and a vintage dress, drinking tea and discussing her favorite drag acts with a sparkle in her eye. That's the beauty of this kind of time travel! It's all about meeting people, sharing stories, and appreciating how the world was just buzzing with creativity, even in the quiet corners!
Across the Globe! The Rise of "A Night Out!"Now, you’ve got to imagine 1956 wasn’t just London, darling, but all of Europe and North America too! There were so many shows going on across the globe and you bet, I went looking.
Let’s hop across the pond to New York, a drag playground bursting with excitement, just like London. It’s hard to believe this was a time before the Stonewall uprising, right? Imagine a world of speakeasies and underground clubs! Now, if you're picturing a dark, secret underworld, well, darling, think again! These places were practically exploding with energy. Think daring fashion, cabaret acts, and performers daring to challenge the status quo - even though it was illegal to do so in so many states!
This was also a time when cabaret culture was alive and kicking. In New York, places like The Village Vanguard were home to a vibrant community, all embracing the artistic liberation, even when those freedoms were fleeting. I heard there were performances at The Village Vanguard but they didn’t include drag shows just yet. Maybe I'll visit this venue on a later time travel journey!
What We're Watching This MonthMy dear friends, what a time for exploring, discovering, and being mesmerized by this magnificent drag scene, right?
My tip for you this month? Embrace those vintage vibes! Think glamorous evening wear, fabulous boas, bold lips, and even some vintage hats, darlings, for a touch of classic chic. I don't even mind if your hat's a bit lopsided or a little tattered; we're embracing that "found-it-in-a-dusty-attic" look. Trust me!
This month, I challenge you all to find the "found vintage" in your local town. We know drag queens exist, from a time before mainstream drag, from all over the world. What will you find in your area? Find your own little gems of vintage culture and make them part of your world!
Of course, I’m always hunting for new ways to elevate our everyday outfits, even while adding some nostalgic sparkle! After all, dressing up is a powerful form of expression, isn’t it?
Love and sequins,
Emma
