Description
Burden and Moran have hand signed this promo photo in blue ink, dated 1977. Burden & Moran became something of an institution in British Show business for over 30 years. As female impersonators they were in the same classic tradition as such ENSA favourites as Bartlett & Ross and Ford & Sheen. Their performances every year as the Ugly Sisters in “Cinderella” frequently brought them to the attention of even the more highbrow critics: Kenneth Tynan once said that “They’re over the top and epitomise true variety”.
They were often in demand at number one theatre dates and shared billing with, Morecambe & Wise, Arthur Askey, Tommy Trinder, Ted Rodgers, Jim Davidson and other variety luminaries. Burden & Moran shared the same sense of humour and love of revue and decided to team together for a series of short shows. Their most notable act was appearing as two sophisticated “Bunny Girls”. The act was fast and witty, and they soon attracted an enthusiastic following among blue rinsed matrons.
After a long Summer Season it was decided that something different was needed and the act was changed to include stage illusions, with the addition of dogs, new costumes and new billing, Burden & Moran became known as “Those Maids Of Mystery, Masters Of Illusion”. They starred in their own Summer Shows completing 5 Seasons on the Isle of Wight, 7 Seasons in Blackpool and 7 Seasons in Great Yarmouth. As Ugly Sisters they played some of Great Britain’s’ leading provincial Theatres. Also to their credit were many appearances at the Players Theatre in London and in circus with the legendary clown Charlie Caroli.
A Television documentary about the two of them made with Mavis Nicholson for ITV in the 70s brought them to the attention of a younger public, and once again they became the darlings of house wives who wanted to copy their outrageous dresses and mannerisms.
Maurice Moran died on the 29th October 1994. His partner Charles Burden is still keeping the tradition of Pantomime alive and can be seen playing Dame at Christmas, somewhere in the UK. Burden and Moran’s appearances on stage were always over the top, epitomising the true spirit of Pantomime. They were a classic act, true variety and a pleasure to watch. They were showbiz itself.