Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! Your favourite Derbyshire drag queen is back, and this month we're taking a little trip back in time to February 2nd, 1973.
As a little flashback for you newbies, my name's Emma, and this little pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling drag queen loves a good gossip about all things drag history! It's a passion I inherited from my lovely granny, who always said, “The world needs a bit more pink sparkle, dear. Why settle for beige when you can have hot pink?!” Granny knew her stuff, that's for sure.
Right, enough chit-chat, let's get on with this month's escapade! My time-traveling pink tutu swirled me back to 1973, and what a fascinating year it was!
The world of drag in 1973 was vibrant and evolving, filled with incredible performers pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers.
This month, February 2nd 1973 was a Saturday. In London's vibrant theatre scene, a few shows that were particularly popular on this date.
A Drag Queen's Guide to 1973Imagine the London stage illuminated by bright lights. You walk through the doors and enter a glamorous world full of incredible dancers. This was a world in which drag wasn’t considered edgy or different. It was part of the fabric of nightlife.
Think of a theatre buzzing with the energy of the drag performances within. Imagine you're in a world where shows were full of colourful characters with glittery outfits, all telling stories of love and heartache through their dramatic portrayals and singing.
The first must-see performance for any fabulous drag queen was the Carry On Girls film at the Prince Charles cinema in London's West End. This was a delightful comedy classic for those looking for an easy night of laughs and a fun theatrical romp.
If you were craving something with a touch of the bizarre, you could also catch the psychedelic theatrical wonder of The Rocky Horror Show, a film playing at the Prince Charles cinema too. It was an all-night celebration, with an audience full of people who had dressed up for the occasion. And it all culminated in a midnight screening of the cult classic musical that everyone loves. I mean, everyone!
Another popular theatrical choice was Jesus Christ Superstar, starring a young Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and it was playing to rave reviews.
For the fans of dance and theatrics, Song & Dance opened in February 1973 in London.
Let's also take a moment to remember another drag icon in history, a brilliant entertainer who was also a truly kind soul – Judy Garland. The legendary icon who brought us the heartwarming films such as The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me In St. Louis, died this month in February, after a career spanning four decades.
Sadly, in those days, there weren’t the kind of opportunities there are today. You know, platforms for queer voices to really make a name for themselves in the media and in the arts. But back in 1973, those trailblazing queens were making a name for themselves. I, Emma, am forever in awe of these pioneers who were bravely marching into uncharted territory, blazing a trail for all of us in drag today!
A Trip To AmericaOh my, a girl can't go time-traveling without hopping over the pond for a little drag inspiration from the US.
Now, let's zoom over to New York!
Here, in the legendary drag club, the The Stonewall Inn, you might be in for an unforgettable show by the fabulous drag queen Jackie Curtis. Now this queen, a true avant-garde genius, could certainly captivate your attention. The iconic queer underground club that saw a famous rebellion and an outpouring of resistance and strength by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, would definitely be an unforgettable evening of drag shows! Imagine all that glitter and theatrics under the flashing strobe lights in this very underground bar. A true sight to see, a night to remember and a definite must for any drag lover, even time-travelling pink-tutu-clad Emma!
On a trip through New York, you've got to head to the legendary Village Gate, a famous jazz club in Greenwich Village that has played host to a string of incredibly famous stars over the years.
The great Judy Collins brought her amazing singing talent to the Village Gate in February 1973, an inspiring night for drag queens everywhere, as she inspired generations of drag artists.
But it wasn't just the iconic venues. New York’s underground drag scene was full of drag performers doing what they do best - entertaining, inspiring and reminding everyone that it's okay to be yourself, and celebrate that self in whatever way you choose!
If you were craving a taste of New York nightlife and wanted to get away from the spotlight and the grand stage, you could catch some up-and-coming performers at The Continental Baths. This legendary bathhouse, known for its fabulous drag performances and its vibrant gay community, gave new talent an avenue to really come into their own! You might see one or two faces that would go on to great success. A wonderful world of glitter and drag fun.
Of course, with every drag trip around the globe, a true drag enthusiast is on a never-ending hunt for the newest looks. Let’s hop into a pink tutu-sized taxi and head to the streets of New York and London to see what kind of fashion was on offer for any discerning drag queen, that is, for the legendary, pink-tutu-wearing Emma, in those golden days of drag history!
Glam in 1973Pink! We all know pink is everything in the drag world, but oh how fashion had a moment in the 70s!
My dear darlings, pink tutus aren't a new thing. Oh, no!
It is clear to any real drag diva, even a time-travelling one, that pink tutus were the fashion to have. It was the statement piece for any drag queen back in 1973.
Think of the Bay City Rollers, and their beautiful blend of psychedelic, colorful outfits. There was a lot of pink in fashion then. Remember all those floral print shirts and those flares that were making waves? And what better than to accessorize a showstopping drag queen ensemble than with a pink tutu and a good bit of sparkles?
Yes, the seventies was the era for fabulous, and that meant embracing color! So many drag queens had bright pink feather boas. Imagine that pink feather boa flowing in the air as they strut their stuff across the stage. Imagine that feather boa swishing and shaking while they sing and dance the night away. It was a pure, blissful extravaganza of pink feathers!
Oh, and what about the sparkly, shimmery fabrics that were so big back then! I’m talking glitter. We’re talking sequined jackets, dresses and, of course, more pink. All with that signature drag flair and flamboyant style!
For the ultimate night out in 1973, a truly fabulous drag queen was expected to turn out in a flowing pink gown, with maybe a little feather boa or a glitzy pink bag. And what was on the feet? Think glitter shoes or platforms. And no, my dears, this pink was not for the faint-hearted.
My love for fashion was not born in a vacuum! 1973 gave us so many styles and inspiration! The styles then really defined the trends that made fashion iconic.
Oh darling, I really must sign off now. My pink tutu time-traveling machine needs a recharge!
So until next month, darlings. Stay fabulous, be you and keep shining brightly! And never forget: always have a pink tutu!
xx Emma
