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Born as Eliza Hodges Thompson
in parish of St. Paul's, Covent Garden - "The Actors' Church" -
Joins Her Majesty's Theatre
Now going by "Lydia," the 14-year-old dancer leaves home to be in the dancing chorus (corps de ballet) here -
Starring Role in Haymarket's Christmas Pantomime
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Burletta: The Spanish Dancers
Though the performnace itself was dismissed, her portrayal of famous dancer Senora Perea Nena caught the attention of The Times, and she began to be reconized by critics and theatre-makers elsewhere. -
Period: to
European Tour
Gains recognition on the international stage for her dancing, charm, and character -
"Most Eminent"
The Times refers to Lydia as "one of the most eminent of English dancers." -
Marriage and Child
Marries riding master John Christian Tilbury and gives birth to daughter Agnes Lydia -
Henderson's Theatre Royal
Lydia meets theatre manager Alexander Henderson (1828-1886) when she comes to star in a show at the New Theatre Royal, Birkenhead -
John Tilbury (Husband) Dies
John Christian Tilbury is killed in a steeplechase -
Ixion
At the opening of the new Theatre Royal, Lydia Thompson creates the starring role in Ixion, a mythological spoof with women in men's roles--therefore showing their legs by wearing men's pants and "revealing" tights! -
Marries Again
Marries Alexander Henderson -
Leaves for America
with husband Alexander Henderson and a group of British burlesque and pantomime actresses, dancers, and comedians. This Troupe will become known as the British Blondes. -
British Blondes Open at Wood's Museum
Lydia and the British Blondes become New York's biggest theatrical sensation of the season, performing the burlesques Ixion (the first hit), The Forty Thieves, and Sinbad for an unprecedented run of 40 weeks. -
Olive Logan's spech to American Equal Rights Association
Famous American actress and feminist Olive Logan delivers a speech to the American Equal Rights Association, impuning Lydia and the British Blondes for being so risque and provocative/demeaning onstage. -
Period: to
American Tour with Blondes
Lydia and the Blondes go on tour across the country, performing various burlesques and other performances in their repertoire. -
Robinson Crusoe
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Assault of Wilbur F. Stoney
Lydia, her husband, her publicist, and a fellow Blonde are arrested for horsewhipping Stoney at gunpoint, for which they pled guilty and were fined. Stoney was the owner of the Chicago Times and had written critiques reflecting on and insulting the virtue of her and her dancers -
Star of Bluebeard
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Reestablishes London Career
Having been onstage now for over three decades, Lydia's singing and dancing skills are diminishing. She will go back and forth between England and America for the next 20 years, stepping into straight roles as well as a short-lived venture as a producer. -
Folly Theatre
Alexander Henderson purchases the Folly Theatre, which becomes a burlesque house with Lydia in the lead roles, including Bluebeard. -
Period: to
Separation from Henderson
Lydia and Alexander Henderson separate but continue to work together until his death. -
"Retires"
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Out of "Retirement"
Lydia comes out of retirement to portray Mrs. Kingfisher in Dust -
Alexander Henderson (Husband) Dies
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Last American Performance
Lydia played a supporting role in The Crust of Society as her last American appearance. -
Benefit Night
A Benefit night is held for Lydia at the Lyceum Theatre, where she was performing in The Wedding March -
Last Stage Appearance
which is her portrayal of the Duchess du Albuquerque in A Queen's Romance -
Dies at age 70
in London
