Impersonators Collection

Ella Shields / Pyke 1927
ELLA SHIELDS Music hall entertainer: Burlington Bertie from Bow

Royal Music Hall - waiting to go on 1900
Standing in the entrance to go on stage at the Music Hall, Holborn, London. Date: 1900

Mr Malcolm Scott as Salome
Mr Malcolm Scott, Robert Falcon Scotts Brother (!!). Scott was one of the most famous female impersonators. He started his career as a straight actor at the Theatre Royal in Margate in 1886 but soon

Florence Desmond, impersonator, as Marlene Dietrich, in top hat, with cigarette. With description, Florence Desmond is one of the cleverest impersonators there are about at present

Mr Ws Woodins Extraordinary Transformations illustrating his "Great Spring Song"(engraving)
2773361 Mr Ws Woodins Extraordinary Transformations illustrating his " Great Spring Song" (engraving) by Hind, Robert Neal (1817-79) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Tommy Cooper impersonator Derek Ritchie wearing Tommys trademark fez hat and glasses June 1980

Lady de Frece (Vesta Tilley)
Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations. Pictured around 1929 after she had retired from the stage

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

Vesta Tilley in her wig
Miss Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall entertainer and variety artiste, best known for her male impersonations

Vesta Tilley in pantomime at Drury Lane
Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations

Female impersonator in trench pantomime, WW1
Fair but False -The Coldstream " Girl." A Remarkable Impersonation in a trench pantomime. Among the numerous female impersonators among soldiers providing entertainment for the troops

Vesta Tilley in khaki
Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations. During the First World War, she earned the nickname

Vesta Tilley, WW1
Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations

Vesta Tilley as a messenger boy
Miss Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall and variety entertainer best known for her male impersonations

Vesta Tilley as a policeman
Miss Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles and later Lady de Frece, music hall entertainer best known for her male impersonations, pictured dressed up as a police officer. Date: 1890

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Impersonators have long been a captivating presence in the world of entertainment. From Ella Shields belting out her famous song "Burlington Bertie" at the Pyke in 1927 to performers anxiously waiting to go on stage at the Royal Music Hall in 1900, these talented individuals have always known how to captivate an audience. One notable impersonator was Mr Malcolm Scott, who flawlessly portrayed Salome with such conviction that it left spectators mesmerized. Another remarkable talent was Florence Desmond, whose portrayal of Marlene Dietrich in a top hat and cigarette showcased her incredible skill as one of the cleverest impersonators of her time. Her "Hollywood tea-party" series was nothing short of brilliant. Amongst these greats was Lady de Frece, better known by her stage name Vesta Tilley. She became renowned for her performances and even donned wigs to transform into various characters like a messenger boy or even wearing khaki during World War I. The trench pantomime during WWI saw female impersonators taking center stage, showcasing their versatility and ability to entertain amidst challenging times. One such performer was Vesta Tilley herself, who continued to shine throughout this period. Mr Ws Woodins also made his mark with extraordinary transformations that illustrated his "Great Spring Song. " His engravings brought his performances alive and added an extra layer of magic to his act. Vesta Tilley's final performance alongside Dame Ellen Terry marked a significant moment in both their careers. It symbolized the passing down of the torch from one generation to another while highlighting Tilley's enduring legacy as an exceptional entertainer. They have always held a special place within entertainment history, enchanting audiences with their uncanny ability to embody iconic figures from different eras. Whether it be Ella Shields' unforgettable rendition or Vesta Tilley's transformative acts during wartime, these performers continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.