Wearing the Trousers: the True Story of Vesta Tilley

New piece of theatre honouring her life comes to Bristol stage

She was one of the highest earning women in England in the 1890s, had a career spanning over fifty years and toured the US six times. But despite paving the way for those to follow after, the name Vesta Tilley isn’t perhaps as well known as it should be.

Vesta Tilley, in fact, was one of the most successful cross-dressing – AKA drag kings – music hall stars of all time.

When she finally retired in her seventies, she received a book containing two million signatures from across all of the theatres she had performed in. The book – The People’s Tribute to Vesta Tilley – included messages and signatures from fans that included Charlie Chaplin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini.

Her life has now been honoured in brand new piece of theatre – Wearing the Trousers: the True Story of Vesta Tilley. It’s the story of Vesta’s life, from her childhood to her mid seventies.

It’s been written for theatre company Seizing The Day by Dyanne White, who will also be playing the role of Vesta Tilley.

It tells the story through a series of flashbacks, original music and songs and reworked pieces performed by Vesta herself.

The story features support from Kay Francksen as the Maid and multi-rolling actors Marie Clifford and Chris Harris Beechey.

Wearing the Trousers: the True Story of Vesta Tilley by Dyanne White will be at the Alma Tavern Theatre 22 – 24 March 2026

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/2018340

Cast and Creatives
Written by Dyanne White
Directed by Craig Edwards

Vesta Tilley – Dyanne White
Vesta Tilley’s Maid – Kay Francksen
Other Female Roles – Marie Clifford
All Male Roles – Chris Harris Beechey

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