Helen Potter

Helen Potter was a performer, platform reader, and impersonator closely associated with the Lyceum circuit and the New York Chautauqua in particular.

Potter's impersonations, while preceded by the likes of Fanny Kemble and Mary Scott-Siddons, serves as direct inspiration for actors such as Hal Holbrook and Emlyn Williams.

[4] Potter impersonated men as well as women, including Oscar Wilde, whom she described as "having brought some good ideas to this country.

"[5] Her performance of noted temperance orator John Bartholomew Gough was crafted to avoid offense: In response to one of the most hearty encores of the evening the speaker stepped to the front of the platform to acknowledge the applause.

By this means Miss Potter avoids the indelicacy of wearing the entire male costume without marring the effect.