Vesta Tilley
An unconventional lady who changed countless lives.
Not your typical celebrity (if there is such a thing).
Her success, flaws, and what fame brings — and takes.
A serio-comic, singer-comedienne; a rags to riches child prodigy, a top-billing star in a 50 year solo career, England's highest earning woman. There was nothing ordinary - nor cliche - about her.
- male impersonator & principal boy in pantomime
- inaugural Royal Variety performer
- Britain's greatest recruiting sergeant
- fashion icon, on & off the stage
- the original social influencer
- philanthropist & superstitionist.
Making people happy; making the world better. The true story of her success - her way; the family story - including her last chapter.
Matilda Alice Powles (1864–1952) was an English music hall performer, who made her name on the stage as Miss Vesta Tilley. Starting in provincial theatres, with her father as manager, she conquered London. A star in the US on the vaudeville circuit, and on Broadway, she toured there six times.
Beloved entertainer, she made a career from parodying and making fun of men - typically performing as a dandy or fop, masher or swell, toff or soldier - singing of their idiosyncrasies. At the first Royal Variety Performance in 1912, the scandalous sight of her as a female wearing trousers caused Queen Mary to avert the royal gaze behind one's programme in the royal box.
Retirement at the top of her game was preceded by a year-long farewell tour, donating profits to children's hospitals. At her last performance in 1920, at the Coliseum Theatre in London, her friend Ellen Terry presented her with a People's Tribute signed by two million fans, including Houdini.
She married out of love, not for money, to Walter de Frece, who became her manager. A perfect pair. Tilley supported him in his success as a wealthy theatre impresario, a Lt Colonel, a knight of the realm (making her Lady de Frece by title), and a Member of Parliament. They retired to Monte Carlo and lived in high society, happily ever after - or so nearly.
An extraordinary life and journey, full of fun and surprises, famous friends, troublesome siblings, and reflection. Her impact echoes to this day...