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Female impersonator in trench pantomime, WW1
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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 during the First World War, the Tatler prints a photograph of perhaps the most convincing (and he certainly is), Private Splatt of the Coldstream Guards as principal girl in a pantomime at the front. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14142075
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Coldstream Dressing Entertaining Guards Impersonation Impersonator Impersonators Panto Pantomime Principal Private Trench Troupe Convincing Theatrical
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the harsh realities of the First World War, the spirit of entertainment thrived among the soldiers, with female impersonators providing a welcome distraction. Among these talented performers, Private Splatt of the Coldstream Guards stands out as the most convincing, as depicted in this photograph from the Tatler magazine in 1917. Dressed in a beautiful, intricately detailed costume, Private Splatt takes on the role of the principal girl in a trench pantomime, a remarkable feat considering the challenging conditions of the front lines. Cross-dressing and theatrical performances had a long history within military culture, with troupes of soldiers putting on shows for their comrades as a means of boosting morale. Transvestitism, as this form of impersonation was known, allowed soldiers to momentarily escape the horrors of war and immerse themselves in the fantasy of a different world. Private Splatt's convincing portrayal of a female character in the pantomime was a testament to his skill and dedication. His costume, complete with a pretty dress, shawl, and high heels, would have been a sight to behold amidst the mud and chaos of the trenches. The soldiers, who had likely not seen a woman in months, would have been transported to a world of make-believe, if only for a brief moment. This photograph, taken in 1917, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of cross-dressing and theatrical entertainment during the Great War. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the soldiers, who found joy and laughter even in the most trying of circumstances.
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