Golden Girls of Eastbourne: Showgirls
Photographer David Pickens documents five former variety stars, now in their 80s and 90s, who forged lifelong friendships on stage.
Five former showgirls, now aged between 82 and 90, have been photographed by David Pickens at the Royal Hippodrome theatre in Eastbourne. The photographer, a retired circus performer, was drawn to their enduring sisterhood and remarkable careers in a male-dominated industry.
Pickens heard stories of the group, locally known as the Golden Girls, through a friend. He decided their bond and history would make a compelling photographic story. "They've got amazing life stories, amazing camaraderie," Pickens told The Guardian. "What I really admired was the fact they were all women in a very male-dominated world, and then all those men have gone now, and they're the last people standing."
Life on the Stage
The women met in the 1960s and 70s while working as dancers, singers, and comedy acts. Their careers spanned cruise ships, pantomimes, and British seaside theatres. They performed in sequin dresses, high-cut leotards, and huge feather headdresses.
Beryl Plummer, 90, performed in a double act with her late husband Tommy. They were so popular they once topped a bill ahead of the Beatles. "They were just normal boys, but you could not hear anything they sang because of all the screaming," Plummer recalled. Another booking supporting Cliff Richard was cut short after performers were pelted with eggs and potatoes.
Jan Lynton, 82, performed internationally. She recounted a dangerous mishap during a number with large feather headdresses in Cairo. "The girl opposite me shimmied back and went into a candle. When she came up, her feathers were on fire," Lynton said. A jug of water doused the flames.
The work had its less glamorous side. Accommodation for performers was often poor, with stories of black mould in Glasgow and no hot water in London. Jenny Lawrenson, 83, recalled a landlord in Cardiff showing her a chipped, rusty bath and boasting that comedian Gladys Morgan had used it.
Bonds Forged in Laughter
A shared sense of humour helped the women bond and cope with the industry's challenges. These included unwanted advances from agents and producers. "You just took it in your stride," said Lynton. "An agent chased me around a table once. He was horrible."
Their lives eventually diverged. Lawrenson left the business after five years. Plummer and her husband finally retired in 2016. Lynton worked as a choreographer until 2022. Vicki Goodwin, 85, moved to Spain and then Llandudno with her husband, comedian Ken Goodwin, until his death in 2012. Jacquie Toye, 83, also lost her husband.
"We've all been through the mill one way or another," said Toye. "We've all had tragedy in our lives." In their later years, their sisterhood became paramount. The group provides practical support, like when Toye took Plummer to hospital for a serious operation in 2019. Goodwin calls Lynton most nights and Plummer every evening.
A Disgraceful Retirement
The Golden Girls approach retirement with energy. Their days are filled with lunches, showbiz-themed talks, and activities. Toye hosts a hospital radio show. Lawrenson runs an exercise class. They recently planned to watch an airshow from a friend's tower-block flat for "Ladies' Day at the tower."
Lynton says she doesn't feel her age. She recently bought coasters that say "Growing old disgracefully." "Age is a number," she stated. When asked the secret to their attitude, Toye quipped, "Gin and tonic." The laughter, much like their friendship, shows no sign of fading.
