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British prisoners of war, one in drag, posing for "The Timbertown Follies", at a prisoner of war camp in Groningen. Photographic postcard, 191-. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
The man in drag poses holding a tall white stick in the centre of the stage; two men lean in from the sides of the stage set. The photograph demonstrates the high level of professionalism which went into theatrical productions at this camp. The 'proscenium arch', 'stage boxes' and backdrop are all painted to a professional standard
One of the many revues staged by some of the 1,500 or so members of the First Royal Naval Brigade, interned as prisoners of war in the camp outside Groningen, northern Netherlands, from 1914 to 1918, which they nicknamed HMS Timbertown. As they were not involved in any conflict and were housed in reasonable comfort with time on their hands, they were able to stage some very elaborate and professional theatrical revues which became famous back in the UK. Their performances included pastiches of many of the revues and musical comedies produced in England at this time
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