Maggie Collins Annual Lecture

Marie Lloyd Stole My Life
by J.J. Leppink

Scandal, stardom, and song!  Nelly Power was a real life, trailblazing performer of the 19th century, who struck an early blow for women’s rights by divorcing her husband, owning her own properties and headlining at all the major theatres.   Until her fame – and her most famous song – were usurped by the young Marie Lloyd.

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Her life was more dramatic offstage than on – her own personal Victorian melodrama.   Marie Lloyd Stole My Life shines a light on the unglamorous side of showbusiness in the 19th century through the subversive lens of the Victorian Music Hall.  It’s a bit “Ripper Street” and a bit “EastEnders”.  With songs.  Not quite the “Good Old Days” you might think it was.…

Join us for light refreshments post-performance.

About the speaker

Lottie Walker
Lottie’s background is in theatre performance and cabaret.  UK tours include Godspell, A Christmas Carol, Any Extras, and playing both Snow White and Prince Charming in the world’s longest running pantomime.  Other roles include Her Ladyship in The Dresser, Lily Pepper in Red Peppers, Peggy in Alan Bennett’s A Woman of No Importance and Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense.  Lottie is a native East Ender with Music Hall running through her veins and a true passion for celebrating forgotten people of the past.  Her other one woman show, “Chopped Liver and Unions” has toured all round the UK and completed a successful Off Broadway run.  That show is about Sara Wesker, Sir Arnold’s aunty, who led the ”Singing Strikers” of 1928… 

When not trading the boards Lottie hosts the podcast “Famous People You’ve Never Heard Of” and leads guided walks in Islington, mainly themed around popular entertainment and music hall.  Lottie is a member of the showbusiness charity the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings and is a past committee member of the British Music Hall Society.  She has recently completed filming a segment for the independent documentary “Fierce Boots”, a history of the male  impersonator.

BOOKINGS

STR lectures are free and open to the public. You don’t have to be a member, but it is essential to book to let us know if you wish to attend in person. Lectures are presented in London and timings are GMT.  

Please note that places are limited at the Art Workers’ Guild, and you are advised to book as soon as possible to reserve a seat.  

Venue and transport information

The Artworkers Guild: https://www.artworkersguild.org

Nearest tube: Holborn or Russell Square