The Vedmars (fl. early 20th Century), comedy acrobats
(photo: unknown, circa 1905)
The Vedmars on tour in the United States with Watson’s Americans burlesque company, March 1903
‘Watson’s Americans, which will be the attraction at the Gaiety for the first three days of next week, is one of the largest and oldest burlesque companies on the road. The management have spared neither time nor money to get the best talent in the profession this season. This large organization consists of 35 people. The company is headed by the versatile artists, Jeanette Dupre and W.B. Watson. Among the other artists are ”Selbini,” the phenomenal trick cyclist and juggler. This act alone is well worth the price you pay for admission. The Vedmars are direct from the music halls of London, which is a sufficient guarantee of their worth. Ella Shields, the phenomenal baritone; West and Williams, Hayman and Hayman, Batchellor Sisters, Burke and Raymond, and many others. Mr. Watson is producing the farce of Levy in Japan by request of different managers. This farce was a howling success last season. It introduces all members of the company.’
(The Albany Evening Journal, Albany, New York, Saturday, 21 March 1903, p. 6g)
‘The name sounds Hindoo, but the pose is Greek. The Vedmars, Renee and Bert, are, needless to say, lights of the vaudeville stage. There ”stunt” has a few original touches in it and is worth staying for, even if it’s after a musical act.’
(The Standard and Vanity Fair, New York, Friday, 16 February 1906, [p. 4])
Footlight Notes 