| On this Site |
The Stars
For each of the stars featured on my site the link will take you to a gallery page displaying photo postcards from my collection (clicking on a picture will open a larger version in a new window). Wherever possible I have listed whatever details I have been able to uncover about the star in question. In some cases (marked with *), the gallery page contains a link to a second page containing a more detailed biography.
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The Theatres
Oftentimes in the bios various theatres are mentioned, therefore a page has been included to help you locate where those theatres stand or once stood.
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The Productions
I have also included some presentations of stage productions taken from period magazines.
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Modern Reviews
This is a section wherein I have added reviews of my own modern day visits to the theatre.
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If you like what you find here, please take a moment to complete my feedback form
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This website is dedicated to the female stars from the golden age of English Theatre. Some of the most beautiful women in England (and some from Europe and the USA) trod the boards of the many theatres to be found in London's West End in those halcyon days. Women like Gabrielle Ray, Lily Elsie, Pauline Chase, the sisters Dare, and of course my own particular favourites Gertie Millar and Ellaline Terriss. Whilst I do not deny in any way that there were many great male actors in that period also, nor would I wish to denigrate their acheivements, still you will not find them here. It is to the ladies and the ladies alone that this site is dedicated.
Many of these actresses started from humble beginnings but were determined to make the most of their lives. Many would have long and successful stage careers. A few would become even more famous in celluloid than they ever had been on on stage. Some would marry successful husbands, even into the nobility. And one, Mabel Russell, even became an MP - not particularly suprising today perhaps, but when she was at the height of her stage career women were not yet allowed even to vote!
Of course, since we are dealing with a period of around one hundred years ago, everything you will find on this site is the result of painstaking research rather than personal experience. I have tried as much as possible to ensure that my facts are accurate but it should be remembered that records from that time were not always entirely reliable (I have found some to be contradictory) and some of the information I have used is based on anecdotal evidence which may be dependent on human memory.
Ok, so why did I create this website? My interest in this subject arose when I purchased a contemporary portrait of a young Gladys Cooper (the stage star and film actress). The painting, I learned, was painted from an antique postcard. That led me to begin collecting postcards and my personal collection is the source of all the images you will see on these pages. Take a look at the photos in some of my galleries and I'm sure you will see why it is that I think the women of this period were so particularly beautiful.
Webmaster: Don Gillan
Author of "Of Boars and Bantams"
A Pictorial History of Bradford City AFC
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Just added: Marie Lloyd - Gallery/Biography
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Coming soon:
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Visit my forum page to discuss all matters relating to edwardian actresses, edwardian theatre in general, or theatrical postcards with other visitors to this site. Looking for information? Maybe someone out there can help.
| General Features |
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Galleries |
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| The Small Print |
- This is a non-profit making website. All costs associated with maintaining and hosting this website are met by the owner with no funds being raised through the site in any way.
- It is not my intention to infringe on any copyright. To the best of my knowledge all of the materials reproduced herein are out of copyright and/or in the public domain. Furthermore, all materials reproduced on this site (Photo Postcards, Programs, Theatre Magazines etc.) are taken from my own private collection and are not 'borrowed' from other websites. However, should you choose to use and/or reproduce any materials obtained from this website it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that they are free for your intended usage in your jurisdiction.
- This site is intended as a service and a shared resource. If you wish to use and/or reproduce anything you find here I am happy for you to do so PROVIDED THAT a) it is not done for profit and b) that you clearly credit the source [eg. "Reproduced courtesy of Don Gillan (Copyright), www.Stagebeauty.net]. You do not have to steal my work, I give it freely, just obey this one simple proviso.
- Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information here, no warranty or assurance as to accuracy is either given or implied.
- If you would like to contribute to this site in the form of a written article or have access to any additional information about any of the artistes featured on this site I would love to hear from you.
- This site is still under construction. Come back soon to see me grow!
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