Female Impersonator Bert Errol Arrives
One hundred years ago today… A noted British female impersonator arrived in New York City. Bert Errol, of “the Tetrazzini voice” would, over the next two months, perform at clubs such as the Orpheum, the Alhambra, and the Palace.
When they got off the S.S. Baltic, accompanied by their wife, Errol was dressed as a man. The Daily News, who apparently had a photographer permanently stationed at the docks, caught a pic:
The Daily News, March 6, 1920, p. 13. Newspapers.com.
Fortunately, we know what Errol looked like in costume at the time from the 1920 cover of the published sheet music from his song “Honolulu Eyes.”
“Honolulu Eyes.” Leo Feist, New York, publisher. Digital Commonwealth.
One film clip exists of Errol, from 1922’s “Ring the Changes,” a British Pathé film. Watch it here on YouTube.
Female impersonators were popular performers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, both playing in serious theater and on vaudeville stages. Earlier in 1920, female impersonator Richard Harlow’s death was news in several NYC papers.
The Daily News, Feb. 20, 1920, p. 13. Newspapers.com.