This article addresses the dual topics of female comedians in early twentiethcentury British music hall, and also the industry's attempts to halt a decline brought about by the increasing popularity of cinema. In particular, it establishes that a great number of female performers were highly successful up to, and beyond, the First World War. The nature of the performance of three female comedians from this era -Marie Lloyd, Anna Dorothy and Millie Payne -is examined in detail, demonstrating that many female performers specialised in risqué material and the use of the 'double entendre'. The trade journal The Performer is also examined to explore how Variety performers viewed the threat of the 'talkies' and took action to try and curtail it.
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