Date: 16th July 2024
Isle of Man Post Office Unveils 'Stars of Variety' Stamp Collection: A Tribute to the Golden Age of Entertainment
Isle of Man Post Office is delighted to announce the release of a new stamp collection celebrating the golden age of entertainment on the Isle of Man. The "Stars of Variety" collection features six stamps honouring iconic performers from the 1930s - a period when the Island was a bustling hub of song, dance, and comedy - and the vibrant venues where they showcased their acts.
The collection features a range of entertainers who trod the boards of various Isle of Man venues, creating a buzz across the Island as holidaymakers and locals alike all queued to see the most famous acts of the day. These stamps hark back to those days and celebrate a vibrant part of the Island’s history and of the stars who were household names.
The "Stars of Variety" collection features:
Sandy Powell (1900-1982): The comedian from Rotherham known for his catchphrase, "Can you hear me, mother?" and his popular revue show in the 1930s.
Victoria Carmen (1890-1962): A beloved music hall singer from Edinburgh, famous for her performances at Onchan Head Pavilion and Derby Castle.
Tommy Trinder (1909-1989): A cheeky South-London comedian who made a name for himself at the Villa Marina and later transitioned successfully to television.
Leslie Sarony (1897-1985): A multi-talented singer, dancer, and actor, noted for his comic sketches and song writing, who performed at the Villa Marina.
Florrie Forde (1875-1940): The powerful Australian singer who was a regular at Derby Castle, known for her memorable chorus songs and support for local talent.
George Lacy (1904-1989): A pioneering female impersonator and comedian, who developed the character of the pantomime dame at the Palace Coliseum.
Matthew Richardson, local historian and curator, provides an engaging narrative for this collection, capturing the spirit of the era when the Isle of Man was at the height of its tourist industry. Venues like the Villa Marina, Derby Castle, and Onchan Head Pavilion were the heart of the entertainment scene, hosting a variety of acts that drew crowds every night.
He comments: “To my mind, the entertainment history of the Isle of Man remains one of the most under-researched aspects of its heritage. Some of the biggest stars of stage and variety appeared here in the 1920s and 30s. I am pleased to see some of my research being used by Isle of Man Stamps and Coins and I hope that this will increase public awareness and interest in this area.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, expressed her enthusiasm for the release: "We are thrilled to celebrate the rich entertainment history of the Isle of Man with this stunning collection. The 'Stars of Variety' stamps not only honour the performers who captivated audiences but also highlight the Island's significant role in the entertainment industry during the 1930s."
High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found in our Media Centre
