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Ella Shields, WW1 entertainment
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Ella Shields, WW1 entertainment
Ella Shields (1879-1952) music hall entertainer and male impersonator, most famous as Burlington Bertie from Bow dressed up as both a soldier and a sailor during the First World War. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14171356
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Drag Dressing Ella Entertainer Entertainers Impersonation Impersonator Sailor Shields Singer Singers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the enigmatic and charismatic figure of Ella Shields, a music hall entertainer and male impersonator, who rose to prominence during the First World War under the stage name 'Burlington Bertie from Bow.' Dressed in the uniforms of both a soldier and a sailor, Shields' cross-dressing performances brought joy and laughter to audiences amidst the hardships of the war. Born in 1879, Ella Shields began her career in music halls in the late 1890s, performing as a singer and dancer. However, it was her male impersonations that truly set her apart. Shields' ability to convincingly portray masculine characters, combined with her exceptional talent as a singer, made her a sensation. During the First World War, Shields' performances as Burlington Bertie from Bow took on a new significance. Dressed in military uniforms, she brought a sense of escapism and camaraderie to audiences, many of whom had loved ones serving in the armed forces. Her performances were a source of pride and morale-boosting entertainment for the troops and civilians alike. This photograph, taken in 1917, captures Ella Shields in her iconic soldier and sailor costumes. The image is a testament to the power of entertainment to bring people together and provide a moment of respite during times of hardship. Ella Shields' legacy as a trailblazing cross-dressing entertainer and her contributions to the morale of the nation during the First World War continue to be celebrated and remembered.
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