Quick-change dinner suit costume worn by Percy Honri, 20th century

Costume in three parts, originally part of a formal suit style ensemble created for Percy Honri to wear in a ‘quick change’ act.

Part 1: White cotton dress shirt
Formal style long sleeved shirt formed from white cotton and designed to be used in a ‘quick change’ act. The shirt has a high stiff collar which is secured with a pearlised button/stud at the centre-front interior. The shirt also features a false black fabric bowtie. This is tied to shape and secured at the centre back with Velcro. The shirt is split/open down the centre back seam, it is secured with studs at the shirt front, and with bands of Velcro at the centre back seam and the rear of the collar.

Part 2: Cream waistcoat with integral false shirt front
Cream waistcoat with integral false shirt front and cotton back designed for a quick change act. The shirt front incorporates a band at the neckline which is shaped to be secured to a separate shirt collar. The lapels, pocket flaps and hem of the panel are edged with a narrow strips of black cord. The waistcoat fastens at the centre front with a vertical row of four small pearlised buttons.
The waistcoat is open at the centre back, where there is no seam. It is secured at the base with a large brass hook and eye and is not lined.

Part 3: Black wool trousers
Long black wool trousers. The trousers are split and open at the rear waist seam and at the proper right and proper left right inner leg seam. A line of metal hoops are placed at intervals along the front side of these ‘openings; with a matching line of thread bound loops running along the rear edge. A panel of glazed linen facing has been placed along the rear interior edge.
The trousers fasten at the crotch with a vertical row of 6 plastic buttons. A line of decorative cord runs down the proper right and proper left side seam, extending into a hanging length of cord at the bottom edge with three metal hoops attached to its base. The waistband is edged with a band of brown cotton twill braid. Further buttons are present at the waistband, placed to be attached to braces. Top stitching has been used to reinforce the stitching at the rear.

Given by the descendants of Percy Honri

Percy Honri (1873-1953) was a musical entertainer of music hall and revue. The name of Honri has been used since he appeared with his father (Harry Thompson) at the Folies Bergere in Paris.

Honri’s musical talent was influenced by his parents, Harry Thompson (1850-1937) and Mary Horwood (1852-1914) who were also music hall entertainers. In 1884, Percy Honri joined the Thompson Trio with his parents, performing in music halls and theatres. In 1890, the Trio changed their name to the Royal Thompson Trio. In 1893, Honri toured with his parents in the States, and in 1898, he performed as a solo act. His well-known show, Concordia was hugely successful, performing at the London Palladium.

Until 1935, Honri continued with his performances, labelled the ‘King of the Concertina’. His daughter Mary Honri (1910-1988) then acted with him on stage as ‘Mary and Percy Honri’. Honri’s grandchild, Peter Honri (1929- 2016) continued their family theatrical tradition, chronicling their history in the book 'Working the Halls'.

S.1008:1 to 3-2017