Rehearsal Gallery

First Royal Variety Show dress rehersal, 1912

The dress rehearsal for the first Royal Variety Show performance at the Palace Theatre, 1912, which was attended by many celebrities. This photograph shows Variety's Garden Party, in which 150 members of the cast sang God Save the King at the close of the programme. In the centre is Harry Claff as the White Knight, who sang the solo part of the National Anthem. Just to his right is seated G.H Chirgwin, and a little to left, Miss Vesta Tilley in military uniform. Amongst other well known performers taking part in the tableau are Miss Victoria Monks, Miss Peggy Pryde, Miss Vesta Victoria, Mr. Charles Coborn, Mr. T. E dunville, Mr. Gus Elen, Mr. Harry Randall and Mr. Arthur Rigby. Date: 1912

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Stunt woman cannonball loses her knickers

Liza Knight, an 18-year-old stunt performer from Leicester, felt quite a draught after being shot from a cannon during a rehearsal. A jagged piece of metal in the barrel of the giant gun snagged her knickers and tracksuit bottoms, ripping them both to shreds. Seen here giving the thumbs up before the stunt. Date: 1973

© Mary Evans Picture Library/DAVID LEWIS HODGSON

Women's League of Health and Beauty, Prunella Stack

Lady David Douglas-Hamilton, formerly Prunella Stack, with some of her students and teachers at the rehearsal of the Women's League of Health and Beauty for the first peace-time rally in Regents Park. Her husband, Sir David, was killed during the Second World War with the RAF, after which she devoted more of her time to the league which had been founded by her mother, Mary Bagot Stack, in 1930 to provide evening exercise classes business girls and working women could afford. Date: 1946

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans