Oh, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller! I'm back with another fabulous foray into the glittery history of drag! You'd think a Derbyshire lass like me would be content with a pint of bitter and a good natter at the local, but no! This pink tutu gets me itching for adventure, and adventure means diving head-first into the wild, wonderful world of drag history. This month, my pink sequins took me to the glorious August of 1966!
The year is swirling with revolutionary energy, and the winds of change are blowing right through the drag scene. As I shimmied down memory lane, I was absolutely bowled over by what I found. This is gonna be a doozy, darlings! Get your popcorn and a big, juicy cocktail because this trip is jam-packed with fun!
Firstly, I must mention that the big buzz word back in the 60s was 'camp', and what better place to witness that than at The Village Gate in Greenwich Village, New York? That's where you'd find a legendary, pioneering performer named Charles Ludlam. Ludlam's flamboyant troupe were pushing boundaries and reinventing the theatrical landscape, mixing up genres and shattering the fourth wall like it was nothing.
The 1960s was the golden era for 'camp' drag, and Ludlam was a key player in its evolution. His shows were like a deliciously absurd kaleidoscope, full of clever dialogue and witty references that were both satirical and insightful. The drag queens of the time had such sharp minds! Not just glamorous figures on stage, but fierce, outspoken voices challenging social norms with their witty repartee and subversive antics.
Across the pond, right here in the UK, a legend was taking shape! The iconic "Tonight's the Night" was playing at the Fortune Theatre in London! This legendary show brought a hilarious blend of stand-up, sketches, and, of course, glamorous drag queens to audiences night after night. The theatre's owner, Bernard Miles, was renowned for his inclusive and experimental spirit, and that show is just one example of how he embraced the energy and individuality of the drag world.
It's easy to forget that back then, drag performers had to be much more cunning and resourceful. It wasn't about reality TV or lip-syncing (although I adore a good lip sync!), but about genuine theatrical skill and an intimate connection with the audience. The stage was a canvas where performers like Charles Ludlam and the "Tonight's the Night" crew could challenge conventions and express themselves through a kaleidoscope of performance styles.
As I stepped out of my pink tutu and into 1966, I was blown away by the vibrant energy, the groundbreaking drag, and the fierce spirits of those pioneers. They were breaking down barriers and making drag something special, a true art form that transcended mere entertainment.
You know what? It really made me realise something. The reason drag has evolved so magnificently is because of these brave, imaginative pioneers who carved a path for the fabulous drag queens of today. And while we enjoy the luxury of 'RuPaul's Drag Race', let's never forget the unsung heroes who paved the way with their wit, their talent, and their unwavering passion.
And to add some extra sprinkles to this pink-tutu time travel adventure, here's a little bit of fashion history from the month of August, 1966:
A-line is EVERYTHING! The iconic A-line silhouette is sweeping the fashion world and it's totally chic. Think of Jackie Kennedy's elegant outfits and those vibrant shift dresses that were so popular - it's all about the feminine silhouette that moves freely.
Geometric Prints Galore! 1966 saw an explosion of geometric patterns. Think graphic prints like bold squares and circles, zig-zags, and even op-art designs. And it was all about mixing those prints, too. Think of contrasting patterns that created a truly exciting look.
Space-Age Fashion Takes Off! 1966 was definitely a futuristic era, with everything from Twiggy's androgynous style to sleek silhouettes with bold geometric designs that captured the essence of space exploration. It was all about the new, the edgy, the cutting edge. I've been dying to snag a space-age skirt myself!
But before I end this little pink-tutu jaunt, darlings, let's not forget that it's always important to be kind, compassionate and respectful to one another. Just like the groundbreaking drag queens of 1966, we can build a world where everyone feels confident, accepted, and celebrated!
Until next time, darlings, don't forget to wear your pink tutus! And let's spread the love and kindness that the drag world embodies. You can check out more on this amazing time in drag history at www.pink-tutu.com.
Love and kisses,
Emma
P.S. I'll be performing in Nottingham at the Spangled Speakeasy on Saturday night. Don't forget to come in your best pink tutus!
