How I became a Female Impersonator

Paul James created his comedy character THE DOWAGER LADY CRABTREE in 1978 and has been performing as her eversince. Here he explains how Lady Crabtree came to life, and what he enjoys about performing her over the last thirty years.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Comedy
• Cross
• Dressing
• Drag
• Female
• Impersonation
• Danny
• La
• Rue
• Stanley
• Baxter
• Dick
• Emery

[pahoboye]

i often wonder why women dont impersonate men...

[DowagerLady]

@pahoboye Male impersonators were very popular until the time when fashions changed and women began to wear trousers and a more masculine style of dress, then it didn't seem quite so funny any more. In the UK performers such as Vesta Tilley and Hetty King were huge stars, and even people like Evelyn Laye and Cicely Courtneidge used to dress up as men in their acts. But, personally, I think there is always something more comical about a man in a frock than a girl wearing a suit...

[LadyGmarilyn]

What a lovely man you are! I so loved Hinge and Brackett too! the attention to detail in their act was amazing, and so funny and believable. Their singing was brilliant too...When Dame Hilda sang "If only he'd looked my way..." it was heartbreaking. Just going to find you videos now Paul...thanks for posting.

[DowagerLady]

@LadyGmarilyn Thank you! Yes, I was in the audience of one of Hinge & Bracket's early shows when Patrick sang 'If only he'd looked my way" and it was very moving. I've had so much fun performing over the years - and the bookings still keep on coming. My only regret is that I can't sing like Dame Hilda !

[ScreamingPanda57]

So, where to purchase your books,and the titles, please?

[DowagerLady]

@ScreamingPanda57 The books are "The Secret Journals of Queen Elizabeth II" edited by Constance, Lady Crabtree (Hardback: Columbus Books / Paperback: Virgin Books)

and "The Secret Royal Love Letters" edited by Constance, Lady Crabtree (Hardback: Virgin Books)

The easiest, and cheapest, place to buy them now is online via Ebay or Amazon.

[Buffalobigboy69]

I really enjoyed watching this. Paul James seems like such a nice man, very honest and gentle. I agree with the other poster. His voice is very soothing. I hope we get to see more of THE DOWAGER LADY CRABTREE. Also watch Stanley Baxter in his take on Upstairs/Downstairs playing her ladyship. It's so funny ! You go Paul James! You have a fan in America.

[thirlestanelodge2]

How fantastic. I am sorry to say I have never heard of Lady Constance. Very wise observations. She looks wonderful, I am off to watch her in action.

[tristanchord85]

I love this guys accent. So soothing.