The Isle of Man Post Office is to issue 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.
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.
Golden Age of Entertainment
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. .
Matthew said: “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.”
For more information or to order the stamps, visit www.iompost.com/starsofvariety.
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