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Vesta Tilley - final performance with Dame Ellen Terry
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Vesta Tilley - final performance with Dame Ellen Terry
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, Britains best recruiting sergeant, with a number of patriotic war songs she performed at various shows and revues. Pictured here at the last performance of her farewell tour in 1920 on a stage covered with bouquets. She is with Dame Ellen Terry who presented her with a plume of palms along with several volumes - The Peoples Tribute to Vesta Tilley - containing nearly two million signatures collected at different theatres where she had performed. Date: 1920
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Media ID 14159298
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Actresses Dame Drag Dressing Ellen Entertainer Entertainers Farewell Final Frece Impersonation Impersonations Impersonator Impersonators Performance Presentation Retirement Terry Tilley Tribute Variety Vesta
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, taken in 1920, we witness the final performance of the legendary Vesta Tilley, a music hall actress renowned for her male impersonations. Born Matilda Alice Powles, she would later become Lady de Frece, and was affectionately known as 'Britain's best recruiting sergeant' for her patriotic war songs performed during the First World War. As she reaches the end of her illustrious career, Tilley is captured here on stage, surrounded by an abundance of bouquets, marking the culmination of her farewell tour. Joining her for this poignant moment is the esteemed Dame Ellen Terry, who presents Tilley with a plume of palms and several volumes - 'The People's Tribute to Vesta Tilley' - containing nearly two million signatures collected at various theatres where she had performed. The stage is adorned with an array of military uniforms and costumes, reflecting Tilley's penchant for cross-dressing and male impersonation. Her commitment to the art form, which included drag and military uniforms, revolutionized the world of entertainment and paved the way for future generations of impersonators. As the curtain comes down on Tilley's extraordinary career, she leaves behind a rich legacy in the history of theatre and entertainment. This image serves as a testament to her enduring impact and the admiration she garnered from her peers and the public alike.
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