Vesta Tilley, WW1

Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations. During the First World War, she earned the nickname, Britain's best recruiting sergeant, with a number of patriotic war songs she performed at various shows and revues. She is pictured in the role of Tommy home from the front at the London Coliseum where she delighted audiences with the song, Six Days Home on Leave. The Tatler wrote of her, Miss Tilley is undoubtedly the best male impersonator the Halls have ever seen, and is a great favourite practically all over the world. Posed here admiring a German pickelhaube helmet

Coliseum Drag Entertainers Impersonation Impersonations Impersonator Impersonators Recruiting Revue Revues Tilley Tommies Vesta

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