FEMALE IMPERSONATIONS

Before the 20th century, men who donned dresses and adopted the movements and manners of women were mostly seen inminstrelshows. There, Francis Leon ("The Only Leon") achieved renown. Leon also appeared in musicals and vaudeville, which also made occasional use of female impersonators.Tony Hart, who becameEdwardHarrigan's stage partner, carried over his female impersonations from minstrelsy to the legitimate stage.

Neil Burgesshad been ablackfaceentertainer atTony Pastor's theatre, but turned to female impersonation in 1877 at Harrigan and Hart'sTheatre Comiqueand found his true niche. In 1879, he starred inWidow Bedott, playing the title role and finding a character he would perform throughout the remainder of his career. He also appeared inVim;or, A Visit to Puffy Farm(1882) andThe County Fair(1889). A sign of the growing acceptance of female impersonation came in 1891 when Burgess played Lady Teazle in the firstLambs'Gambol. Julian Eltinge and Bert Savoy were considered female impersonators of the first rank.