Do you fancy dressing up in a corset? Maybe you’d prefer trying on a riding habit from the 1800s?
Christine Pilgrim will demonstrate these and other fashions from the past in her interactive, entertaining show entitled What Women Wore and Why at the Mackie Lake House on Saturday.
Pilgrim has a long history in “history.” Since moving to Canada almost 20 years ago, she has worked at Barkerville, Hat Creek Ranch, Fort Langley and the Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos, as well as at more local historic sites that include O’Keefe Ranch, the Mackie Lake House and Caetani Gardens. Her presentations for both students and adults at the Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops and Enderby museums have always been popular, too.
And that’s not surprising because Pilgrim started her career as a stand-up comic. Well, almost.
She actually performed in London’s West End immediately after she left drama school. And she still gets repeat cheques for her performances in Benny Hill’s TV shows that remain popular throughout the world. The Fool, a movie starring Derek Jacobi, in which she features briefly, is available on DVD.
“Of course, those who prefer to sit back and laugh, or learn, or join in the odd (sometimes very odd) songs of the Victorian era need not dress up at all,” said Pilgrim. “There’s no obligation to participate, other than to munch on the yummy desserts and hot beverages during intermission.”
As Mackie Lake House manager Marilyn Berglund adds, “The idea is to have fun, whichever way that works.”
Doors open at 6.30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Advance tickets available by phone at 250-545-1019 or via the website: www.mackiehouse.ca.
As seating is limited, it’s best to book early.
