Felicia Firmin and Roy Lorraine

Biographical notes:

The earliest references to Felicia Firmin's performing career within this collection mention her appearing in concerts as early as 1904, billed as 'Little Felice'. Other line-ups have Firmin listed variously as 'Little Felicia' and 'Felicia Blackley'. Throughout her career she regularly appeared in pantomime and in the chorus of musical shows as well as taking part in concert parties (popular in Britain from the 1920s to 1940s, concert parties originated from the French Pierrot shows and consisted of travelling shows with a mixture of comedy, songs and dance, often performed at seaside venues); specifically with a Pierrot show in 1910 and in various entertainments during the First World War. Later she would play roles such as Pekoe in Aladdin and in 1912 she toured England with Charley's Aunt, playing the role of Ela.

In 1904 'Master Roy Lorraine' sailed with Edward Terry's Company to New York, and appeared with him there in the following year at the Princess's Theatre in New York. In 1918 he produced and appeared in a pantomime at the Opera House in Camiers, France.

By 1920 Firmin and Lorraine were managers of the Harmony Concert Party.

From the guide to the Felicia Firmin and Roy Lorraine Collection, c. 1900s - 1930s, (V&A Department of Theatre and Performance)