Mae West visited Blackpool on multiple occasions, with a well-documented appearance at the Blackpool Hippodrome in 1947-1948. She also performed at the New Opera House in 1947-1948. The Hippodrome’s archives even list various other performances in Blackpool, including those by “Blackpool Film Festival,” which occasionally screened her films like “I’m No Angel”. Blackpool must have made a terrific impression on her as she was amongst many other celebrity donors who gave to the St Stephens-on-the-Cliffs Church.
West’s likeness was used on the front cover of the Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. When approached for permission, West initially declined, reportedly asking, “What would I be doing in a Lonely Hearts Club?” She changed her mind after receiving a letter from the band expressing admiration for her work.
Paramount Pictures publicity photo taken in 1936
A pair of “trick” platform shoes worn by West in films to make her look taller, which also contributed to her unique gait. Photo taken by Daderot at Textile Museum George Washington University on 26 March 2015.
Mae West (British Debut) “DIAMOND LIL” Blackpool, England 1947 Tryout Playbill – available on eBay
Mae West in her Los Angeles apartment, 1973. Photo by Allan Warren CC BY-SA 3.0
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