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Lillian Kate Wiseman: Burlesque Artiste & Actress

My great grandmother was Lillian Kate Wiseman who lived in Brighton until the early 1900s. Daughter of Richard Henry (carver and guilder) and Amelia (nee Hammond) Wiseman, Amelia was a theatrical costumier.

An actress in 1891
Lillian’s profession, at the age of twenty, is given as actress on the 1891 census. Her grandmother was Ann Sayers (a niece of the infamous prize fighter,and boxer, Tom Sayers). On some of the photographs I have of her, she has written her stage name of Lillian Kate Cavanagh, Burlesque Artist.

Travelled extensively
I was told by her daughter, my late aunt, that she travelled quite extensively in her performing capacity even performing overseas. I understand that she met her future husband John Kingsbury Dunlop (also a singer, at that time) in Great Yarmouth.

I should dearly love to find some evidence of her theatrical life but to this date, have failed in my quest. Can anyone help?

Lillian Kate Wiseman
From the private collection of Jill
Lillian Kate Wiseman
From the private collection of Jill
Lillian Kate Wiseman
From the private collection of Jill
Lillian Kate Wiseman
From the private collection of Jill

Comments about this page

  • Hi. It is so interesting to read about Lillian Wiseman and see her photos. It turns out that Lillian is my 1st cousin 4x removed. Your 3x great grandfather George Hammond is my 4x great grandfather. I now work in the airline industry, but prior to this I was a singer and actor. Thank you for sharing the information and photos. George Wainwright

    By George Wainwright (03/10/2012)
  • Lilian is a cousin of mine.  Did she actually marry John Kingsbury Dunlop (I can find no record and believe he was already married)?

    By Amanda Williams (21/08/2014)
  • Just returned to this page and discovered the replies to my posting!
    If George Wainwright or Amanda Williams read this, please do contact me. Would love to exchange family history with you!  Studiollij@aol.com

    By Jill Hockett (21/09/2014)

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