Impersonator Collection

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

Flo Dixie - impersonating a male army officer
Flo Dixie, Music Hall Performer - impersonating a male army officer. Known as the bantam male impersonator'. Dressed as an army officer with cane, monocle and cigar. Signed card.. Date: circa 1921

Bessie Bonehill music hall male impersonator 1855-1902
Bessie Bonehill started on the halls as a clog dancer as part of the Sisters Bonehill act and became a male impersonator. Jaunty pose with hands in pockets

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

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

May Lilian Levey music hall male impersonator
May Lilian Levey male impersonator, dancer, pantomime principal boy. Here dressed in top hat and tails with cane. Called herself the ?premier male character comedienne?

Louie Tracy music hall male impersonator
Louie Tracy male impersonator dressed as a man about town with top hat and cane. ?Faultlessly attired, by everyone admired?. Billed as the ?Dapper, Dandy Boy?. Signed card. Date: circa 1910

Pauline Travis music hall male impersonator
Pauline Travis male impersonator billed as ?the new male impersonator? in 1915. Dressed as a man about town wearing evening suit, white waistcoat, top hat and monocle. Signed card. Date: circa 1915

Vesta Tilley music hall male impersonator 1864-1952
Vesta Tilley (Matilda Alice Powles) male impersonator, actress and pantomime star. Dressed in costume as an Eton schoolboy with bum-freezer jacket and top hat

Winifred Ward music hall male impersonator 1880-1975
Winifred Ward male impersonator and pantomime principal boy. In costume for ?Jack Horner? pantomime, Princes Theatre, Bristol. Wearing light coloured suit with trouser turn-ups

Hetty King music hall male impersonator 1883-1972
Hetty (Hettie) King (Winifred Emms) in pantomime costume as Aladdin. Seated on table. Elaborate hat with feathers, Chinese-style satin jacket with shorts, tights and satin shoes with large bow

The regal visit Saltburn always craved finally took place as the town celebrated 150 years of history. More than a century ago

Looking for all the world like the real Queen Victoria and her consort are Alice and George De Mellet De Bonas who did a grand tour of both the Marine Parade at Saltburn Kirkleatham fair

Stanley Baxter (right) stars as a pantomime dame at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland, 9th December 1983. Pictured with journalist Colin Bell

Nelly Power music hall singer 1854-1887
Nelly (Nellie) Power music hall singer, burlesque actress and early male impersonator. On the back of the photograph is printed ?Saturday Programme Supplement February 5th 1876?. Date: 1876

Gertie Rex music hall male impersonator
Gertie Rex male impersonator billed as Scotland?s greatest comedienne. In character as a Scottish soldier with kilt and sporran. Signed card. Date: circa 1916

Bessie Wentworth music hall male impersonator 1873-1901
Bessie Wentworth (Elizabeth Mary Andrews) male impersonator and ?coon singer? of plantation songs - a genre which would be unacceptable today. Here wearing a naval uniform and holding a cigarette

George Lashwood music hall singer 1863-1942
George Lashwood, a singer, known as the ?Brummel of the Halls?. Admired by male impersonator Hetty (Hettie) King who copied his style of dress in some of her outfits. Date: circa 1900

David Lamar of Wall Street, 1913. Creator: Harris & Ewing. David Lamar of Wall Street, 1913. Creator: Harris & Ewing
David Lamar of Wall Street, 1913. American con man known as the Wolf of Wall Street

One final drink - Elvis
Karen Smalley

Impersonator M. R. Bertin in an imitation of Mme Anna Thibaud
The famousFrench female impersonator M.R. Bertin in an imitation of Mme Anna Thibaud Date: Pre-1920s

The famous female impersonator M. R. Bertin
The famous female impersonator M.R. Bertin in an imitation of Tan-Ichi Date: Pre-1920s

Impersonator M. R. Bertin in an imitation of Clotilde Algeria
The famous French female impersonator M.R. Bertin in an imitation of Clotilde Algeria Date: Pre-1920s

The famous French female impersonator M. R. Bertin as himself
The famous French female impersonator M.R. Bertin as himself Date: Pre-1920s

The famous Swedish female impersonator Lind (John Lind) Date: Pre-1920s

Gracie Fields (1898-1979) in Shipyard Sally'. Date: 1939

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

Vessel in the Form of an Owl Impersonator, 100 B. C. / A. D. 500. Creator: Unknown
Vessel in the Form of an Owl Impersonator, 100 B.C./A.D. 500

Vessel in the Form of a Seal Impersonator Playing a Drum, 100 B. C. / A. D. 500
Vessel in the Form of a Seal Impersonator Playing a Drum, 100 B.C./A.D. 500

Vessel in the Form of a Deer Impersonator, 100 B. C. / A. D. 500. Creator: Unknown
Vessel in the Form of a Deer Impersonator, 100 B.C./A.D. 500

Ritual Impersonator of the Deity Xipe Totec, 1450 / 1500. Creator: Unknown
Ritual Impersonator of the Deity Xipe Totec, 1450/1500

Holiday sights and doings in London (b / w photo)
6002629 Holiday sights and doings in London (b/w photo) by American Photographer (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Holiday sights and doings in London)

He Was Born To Be A Gentleman (colour litho)
6031614 He Was Born To Be A Gentleman (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: He Was Born To Be A Gentleman)

Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin (b / w photo)
5987012 Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin)

English Female impersonator and singer Bobby De Lys
A photograph of the English Female impersonator and singer Bobby De Lys, 1920s Date: 1920s

Sheet music - British female impersonator Bert Errol
Sheet music featuring the British female impersonator Bert Errol, 1920s Date: 1920s

Sheet music - female impersonator Karyl Norman
Sheet music representing the female impersonator Karyl Norman, 1920s Date: 1920s

Female impersonator and Male prima donna Bobbie de Lys
Advert for the female impersonator and Male prima donna Bobbie De Lys Date: 1921-1925

Vesta Tilley, performer and male impersonator. Date: circa 1900s

Acrobats, Jugglers, Impersonators, Entertainers from The Gentil Album
STC147595 Acrobats, Jugglers, Impersonators, Entertainers from The Gentil Album, published in 1774 (gouache on paper) by French School

A budding humorist of the East End doing a Charlie Chaplin impression (b / w photo)
3637510 A budding humorist of the East End doing a Charlie Chaplin impression (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Princess Caraboo of Javasu (Mary Baker), 1817 (oil on panel)
BAG63289 Princess Caraboo of Javasu (Mary Baker), 1817 (oil on panel) by Bird, Edward (1772-1819); Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; eBristol Museums, Galleries & Archives; Civic painting

Miss Vesta Tilley, male impersonator (b / w photo)
6030191 Miss Vesta Tilley, male impersonator (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Miss Vesta Tilley, male impersonator)

Ritual Impersonator of the Deity Xipe Totec, possibly Central Veracruz
3964177 Ritual Impersonator of the Deity Xipe Totec, possibly Central Veracruz, 1450/1500 (ceramic & pigment) by Aztec, (15th century); height: 58.4 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Jacqueline Ford (b / w photo)
3640281 Jacqueline Ford (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jacqueline Ford)

Woman in a uniform and a moustache (b / w photo)
3091141 Woman in a uniform and a moustache (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Woman in a uniform and a moustache)

Mumbo jumbo
mario grobenski - psychodaddy

Actor John Mills who is dressed as Charlie Chaplin. 20th July 1960

Actress Juliet Mills with her father, actor John Mills who is dressed as Charlie Chaplin. 20th July 1960

Daily Mirror journalist Anne Robinson impersonates Mrs Thatcher. 30th September 1982

Comedian Allan Stewart (as Michael Jackson) has every reason to feel pleased with his career so far. And soon he will be appearing with fellow mimics Bobby Davro as Elton; Johnny More as Bilko;

Aiden Harvey makes a braw Josie to Allans Francie. 10th August 1993

Comedians Allan Stewart and Aiden Harvey as Fifes famous twins, the Proclaimers. 10th August 1993

Mike Yarwood. TV Celebrity and Impersonator, playing Labour politician Michael Foot, in a character called Worzel Footage at the BBC Studios in Wood Lane. Picture taken 18th December 1980

Rikki Fulton, actor, pictured performing on stage, dressed as a woman, Glasgow, Scotland, 1st December 1962

Mrs Doris McKay who impersonated Sir Winston Churchill. A picture from a series of humurous novelty images taken by Sunday People photographer Dennis Hutchinson Circa :1970

North East Festivals Iain Slavin, dressed as Elvis Presley, entertains passers-by on King Street in South Shields to launch the Catherine Cookson festival 2 June 1998

Animals Dogs Bloodhounds circa 1990

Animals Dogs Bloodhound wears deer stalker hat to impersonate Sherlock Holmes Circa 1990 © Mirrorpix

Humphrey Bogart look a like competition. Competition entrants in their Bogart raincoats, L to R. Ray Hinton, John Pearce, Arthur Kinson, Kenny Whymark and Jon Oxendale. August 1978 P006232

Impersonator Mike Yarwood seen here giving an impression of Ken Dodd. June 1965 P005919

"Tommy"Cooper Impersonations, by well known celebrities. Henry Cooper Boxer
" Tommy" Cooper Impersonations, by well known celebrities. Henry Cooper Boxer. January 1975 75-00541-002

Lulu impersonating Tommy Cooper. January 1975

Lulu impersonating Tommy Cooper. January 1975 75-00588-003

Lulu impersonating Tommy Cooper. January 1975

"Tommy"Cooper Impersonations, by well known celebrities. Henry Cooper Boxer
" Tommy" Cooper Impersonations, by well known celebrities. Henry Cooper Boxer. January 1975 75-00541

The Struggle Between Gomates and Gobryas, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Struggle Between Gomates and Gobryas, 1890. Gobryas, a general of king Cyrus fights Gomates, (also known as Bardiya and Smerdis), or the false Smerdis, (a magi impersonator), c540BC

Mamie Holland music hall male impersonator 1896-1963
Mamie Holland (Emily Alexander) male impersonator in music hall and musical comedy. Wearing three-piece checked suit with Homburg (?), spats and a cane

Sir Walter and Lady de Frece (Vesta Tilley)
Sir Abraham Walter de Frece (7 October 1870 7 January 1935) British theatre impresario, and later Conservative Party politician

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

Vesta Tilley as Algy, the Piccadilly Johnny
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 and Walter de Frece at home
Miss Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), music hall entertainer best known for her male impersonations, pictured at her home, the Homestead at Maidenhead, Berkshire, with her husband, Mr Walter de Frece

Vera Le Fleming (born c1901), a child ballet dancer and impersonator, performing in costume in front of a painted backdrop

Hetty King / Signed
HETTY KING Variety artiste and male impersonator, seen here in uniform

Caricature of John F Sheridan, female impersonator
Caricature of John F Sheridan (1848-1908), female impersonator (often as pantomime dame), comic actor, singer and dramatist. 1883

Fannie Leslie
Miss Fannie Leslie (1856 - 1935), actress and singer Date: 1905

Alf Lawrence
Promotional postcard for Alf Lawrence. Female Impersonator. Character Comedian./ The Dame For Panto/ (A Woman in a Thousand)/ Latest Successes: / The Pugilists Wife/ Is Marriage A Failure

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

Henry Gattie in Monsieur Tonson, 1822.. Mr. Henry Gattie as Monsieur Morbleu in the farce Monsieur Tonson at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Captivating the Stage: Celebrating the Legacy of Impersonators" Step back in time to 1927, when Ella Shields and Pyke took the world by storm with their mesmerizing performances. These pioneers of impersonation shattered societal norms, captivating audiences with their unique talents. Flo Dixie, a male impersonator from the music hall era, also left an indelible mark on entertainment history. Their remarkable ability to embody masculinity on stage challenged traditional gender roles and garnered widespread acclaim. Bessie Bonehill, another trailblazer in the realm of male impersonation during 1855-1902, fearlessly defied conventions. Her powerful voice and magnetic presence captivated audiences across generations. Fast forward to 2019 - Elvis Express Departure pays homage to one of the greatest icons in music history. This tribute act embodies Elvis Presley's spirit through impeccable vocals and electrifying performances that transport fans back to his glory days. Intriguingly, Mr Malcolm Scott as Salome showcased a different facet of impersonation artistry. His portrayal pushed boundaries as he embodied this biblical character with grace and allure. During World War I, Ella Shields brought joy and laughter to troops through her entertaining acts. Her dedication exemplified how even amidst turmoil, artists can use their talent to uplift spirits. The sheet music featuring British female impersonator Bert Errol is a testament to his impact on popular culture. Through his performances, Errol challenged societal expectations while leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. Vesta Tilley was yet another influential figure in male impersonation during 1864-1952 who broke barriers throughout her career. Known for her impeccable comedic timing and charismatic stage presence, she paved the way for countless performers who followed in her footsteps. As we embark on yet another departure of the Elvis Express in 2019 - paying tribute once again to The King himself - we celebrate not only these iconic impersonators but also the enduring power of their art.