Former showgirls have shared their memories of performing in variety theatres in a new picture series, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of British entertainment.
The project, presented by the Guardian, features portraits and recollections from women who once graced the stage, capturing the glamour and the grit of their working lives.
Life on the stage
The women recall the elaborate costumes, the demanding rehearsal schedules and the camaraderie among the troupe. Their stories highlight the discipline required for chorus lines and the thrill of live audiences.
Several describe the practicalities of touring, from cramped dressing rooms to the challenge of quick changes between numbers. The photographs, taken in a studio setting, focus on the performers as they are today, holding mementos from their careers.
A lasting legacy
The series serves as a visual record of a tradition that has largely disappeared from British theatres, preserving the voices of those who lived it.
The images and accompanying quotes offer a personal history of variety theatre, celebrating the skill and resilience of the showgirls who entertained audiences for decades.
