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The Varlets, WW1 entertainment troupe
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The Varlets, WW1 entertainment troupe
The Varlets, a British troupe entertaining men on the Western Front during the First World War. Their theatres included barns, fields, dug-outs, and deserted estaminets and a show tehy gave on 24 June 1916 was performed in the grounds of a chateau to an audience of 3000. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14141224
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Clown Clowns Entertaining Performers Pierrot Pierrots Troupe Troupes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Moment of Respite: The Varlets' Enchanting Performance at the Western Front, 1916 Amid the chaos and hardships of the First World War, a moment of joy and laughter was brought to the soldiers on the Western Front by the British entertainment troupe, The Varlets. This evocative photograph captures the essence of their captivating performance, which took place on 24 June 1916 in the grounds of a chateau. The Varlets, a group of skilled performers, brought the magic of theatre to the troops, transforming makeshift spaces such as barns, fields, dug-outs, and deserted estaminets into enchanting venues. In this image, we see the clowns and pierrots of The Varlets, their vibrant costumes a stark contrast to the drab and muddy surroundings of the battlefield. The clown, with his exaggerated red nose and oversized shoes, brings a smile to the face of a soldier in the front row. The pierrots, with their white faces and black patches, add an air of mystery and intrigue. The costumes, a riot of colors and patterns, transport the audience to a different world, a world far removed from the horrors of war. The Varlets' performances were a source of comfort and morale-boosting for the soldiers, providing a much-needed distraction from the harsh realities of the war. With an audience of 3000, this show at the chateau was one of their most memorable and well-attended. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art and entertainment to bring people together, to heal and to inspire hope, even in the most challenging of times.
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