THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Theatre Review | The Glenn Miller Story – National Tour

    ★★★ | In 1944, big band leader Glenn Miller’s plane went missing over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. From his humble beginnings, Miller’s musical arrangements defined the sound of a generation and secured him legendary status as one of the greatest musical artists of all time.

    Photo Credit – Pamela Raith

    There is a double dose of nostalgia on display in this musical biopic, with not only the music of Miller, but also the presence of the show’s top billed star, Tommy Steele as the titular character. Classed as the first English teen idol and rock ‘n’ roll star, Steele still holds a loyal fan base from his success in the late 50’s and early 60’s, clearly still resonating with the target audience and retaining  a certain charisma and an air of ease and professionalism. That said, at 81 years old, he is twice the age of Miller when he died, requiring a healthy suspension of disbelief, especially during the slightly uncomfortable-to-watch romantic scenes between him and a much younger Abigail Jayne, playing Miller’s wife to be. But despite his age, Steele can still trot out the tunes and knows how to play to the audience.

    So whilst Steele is billed as the star on the posters, the real attraction here is the music itself, and although the show is generally overly-light on narrative, it doesn’t scrimp on the classic big band sound; as a number of Miller’s best known numbers are performed by the on-stage sixteen piece orchestra, including Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood and String of Pearls. Throw into the mix a number of lively jazz numbers, all with the trademark Miller-style arrangements, and you have an energetic and up beat set of songs ably undertaken by the orchestra and ensemble.

    There is very little in the production values to make this show stand out from the crowd. There is generally a basic, but perfectly competent, presentation and Bill Deamers choreography nicely retains the spirit of the era. But show is primarily a tribute to the music itself, and it really comes into its own as the orchestra takes to the stage, especially during the second act.

    The Glenn Miller Story is a pleasant, easy and gentile watch, which is undemanding and which, most importantly, doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It is pure unabashed and unashamed nostalgia which gets the feet tapping and celebrates just how good these classic songs are.

    The show is currently at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until the 20th August 2016, before continuing on its national tour through to November 2016. Visit http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1428 for further details.

     

  • Pride flag will fly for Warwickshire Pride

    Pride flag will fly for Warwickshire Pride

    The Rainbow Pride flag will now fly in Leamington Spa for the county’s Pride.

    Swindon and Wiltshire Pride 2015

    The town hall in Leamington Spa will now fly the internationally recognized symbol for LGBT+ pride, the Rainbow flag, this weekend to celebrate Pride in the city.

    A spokeswoman for the council told THEGAYUK,

    “I am pleased to confirm that the Town Hall will be flying the Pride flag from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 20th August.”

    Warwick District Council had come under criticism after refusing to fly the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride, a petition was launched with many who signed,  describing their disappointment with the council’s original decision.

    Daniel Browne, the organizer of Pride said,

    “Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign. By sending supportive messages, writing to Warwick District Council, highlighting this issue and signing the petition that was running, you have contributed to bringing positive change and progress to Leamington Spa. For that we are eternally grateful.

     “A number of Warwick District Councillors and Leamington Town Councillors have shown support during this issue. A thank you must be extended to them for supporting the LGBT+ community.

    “Finally, a thank must also go to Chris White MP, who has again shown himself to be an ally of the LGBT+ community by supporting the rainbow flag being flown at Leamington Spa Town Hall and for his intervention in this issue.”

    Warwickshire Pride takes this weekend in the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa from 11:00AM to 6:00PM.

     

    TheGAYUK is a proud media sponsor of Warwickshire Pride.

  • Yard Bar in Soho saved from the developers

    Yard Bar in Soho saved from the developers

    The historic Yard Bar in Soho has been saved after planning inspectors upheld Westminster City Council’s decision to protect it.

    The well-known LGBT venue in the heart of Soho found itself at risk, as the developer, Consolidated Property Corporation Limited, originally submitted plans to build flats over the courtyard area.

    Westminster City Council first blocked those plans in March 2015, but the developer submitted subsequent applications and launched two appeals that were finally rejected in the Planning Inspectorate on 10th August.

    In its final report, the appointed inspector described any move to build over the Yard’s courtyard as one which would “fundamentally alter” the character of the bar.

    The decision represents a full vindication of the council’s two-year battle to protect this much loved Soho bar, which received outstanding support from the local community and the bar’s owners, who led a high-profile ‘Save The Yard’ campaign.

    Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, Westminster City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Built Environment, said,

    “Soho is one of the most iconic areas of Westminster, with a unique character that everyone at the council is committed to protecting.”

    “The Yard is a jewel in Soho’s crown and I am thrilled that we have joined forces with the ward councillors and the local community to ensure it remains open for business.”

    “I am absolutely delighted that Westminster City Council has been able to play its part in saving this long-standing example of Soho’s history, culture and diversity.”

    The proposals for the development of three flats meant that the courtyard would have been enclosed beneath a glass roof, something which the Soho Society and Historic England also strongly objected to.

    This would mean the loss of an “extremely distinctive feature of the bar and its related culture” said the planning inspector.

    The Yard Bar’s owner, Andy Jones, led the “Save The Yard” campaign which brought the issue to even greater attention.

    He said,

    “It has been a very long battle and we are so delighted that we have been successful. The support we got from Westminster City Council, ward councillors, Historic England, Soho Society, heritage experts and the LGBT, business and residential communities was huge and unbelievable. We can’t thank everyone enough. Ultimately, all of their support helped to overcome the multiple applications and common sense has prevailed. Long live The Yard!”

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Allegro, Southwark Playhouse

    ★★★★ | Allegro

    CREDIT Scott Rylander

     

    With Allegro, the charming space at Southwark Playhouse sees the UK premiere of a dusty old 1947 musical. Thanks to the partnership of Thom Southerland and Danielle Tarento (Titanic, Grey Gardens, Dogfight and Parade) this forgotten piece has had the cobwebs blown off it, regained its sparkle and is a welcome find rather than a lacklustre piece of tat from the store cupboard of musicals that should stay dormant.

    Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musicals have been entertaining theatre audiences since the early 1940s when they hit the scene with Oklahoma. The pair went on to score a string of hits with The Sound of Music, The King and I and South Pacific among many others. Given their continued critical and commercial success it was a surprise when Allegro floundered and failed to win over American audiences when it premiered. Theories abound as to why this was: a misguided choreographer/director, a storyline ahead of its time or too radical a departure from accepted musical theatre form. Whatever the reasons, it’s resulted in something quite extraordinary for us in that we now have a ‘new’ musical from an iconic writing duo to enjoy.

    The storyline isn’t the strongest around, the intention of the show being to tell a simple tale of an all American everyman. It’s a little flawed, has the odd flabby moment in Act One and is occasionally too sentimental for modern tastes but has an endearing core message. None of that matters though and it’s easy to overlook the cracks in the core material. The genius of the show lies with the team behind it. Southerland has stripped back the show and presents it on a pared down set of almost perpetually moving ladders and platforms with a cast of sixteen and an eight-piece band. The cast form the musical equivalent of a Greek chorus, commenting on the life of small town doctor Joseph Taylor Jr. as he moves from birth through to an early mid-life crisis at 35 with individual members stepping forward and taking on the roles of significant people.

    Unlike the ill fated first run where a reputedly Gorgon like choreographer reigned havoc, the choreography is one of the key factors that makes this performance work. Lee Proud makes use of the limited space and the company move with panache, seamlessly augmenting the narrative. The ensemble singing is as strong as the individual numbers and really packs a punch. Some killer numbers and an accomplished cast combine to make this a winning show. Gary Tushaw as Joseph is handsomely wholesome without being nauseating and Kate Bernstein is particularly enlivening as his waspish nurse, Miss Lipscombe. Her take on “The Gentleman is a Dope” is a sight and sound to behold.

    Forget Jesus Christ Superstar. If this team continue to breathe life into shows that are as dead as Lazarus then we’ll definitely be hailing them as a the new Messiahs of musical theatre.

    Allegro plays at Southwark Playhouse until 10th September

    Follow Chris Bridges on Twitter

  • Man jailed for the rape of two men in Bristol

    Man jailed for the rape of two men in Bristol

    A man in Bristol, who posed as a fitness photographer has been jailed for the rape of two men at his home after luring them with the promise of a photoshoot.

    Bristol police
    Bristol police

    Nigel Brent Wilkinson, 43, of Hill Avenue has been jailed after admitting to two counts of rape and three counts of administering a substance with intent to rape and possession of class C drugs Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) and Nitrazepam.

    The photographer was sentenced to 11 years at the Bristol Crown Court today.

    Det Con Stacey Matthews said,

    “Nigel Wilkinson promoted himself as a male fitness photographer and last summer set up an online enterprise called WilkoPhotography.

    “He’d use social media to identify men he wanted to photograph and would invite them to Bristol for a photoshoot.

    “The men would often stay at his home and throughout their visit he would ply them with alcoholic drinks, some of which were laced with sedatives.

    “While they were in a drugged state, Wilkinson’s predatory nature would prevail and he’d commit sexual acts on them without their consent.

    “We began our investigation in February 2016, when Kent Police were called by the girlfriend of the 19-year-old victim who received a concerning text message from him saying he believed he’d been drugged.

    “We went to Wilkinson’s home and found the victim inside. He was taken to hospital and tests were carried out which found traces of a sedative in his system.

    “He attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre for more tests and our investigation continued, resulting in officers attending Wilkinson’s home in April to arrest him.

    “When they arrived, they found a 23-year-old man asleep on the sofa. He was also taken to hospital and then The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol. There was evidence he’d been drugged and raped.

    “On the surface, Nigel Wilkinson was a photographer with an interest in male fitness models. In private, he was a cunning sexual offender who used his photography enterprise as a cover and catalyst for his deviant activities.

    “The victims have shown immense bravery, dignity and courage throughout our investigation and I’d like to thank them for the support they’ve given the investigation team. These crimes have had a significant impact on them and their families.

    “We believe there’ll be more victims who haven’t yet come forward and I’d urge them to do so. If you’ve had any contact with Nigel Wilkinson or WilkoPhotography, or have come into contact with him through dating websites or dating apps, please call Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting reference number 5216165860.”

    PC Mike Steven, who is leading our Force’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of male rape and sexual assault and improve services for victims, said:

    “The circumstances of this case are truly horrifying.

    “The victims have all attended Sexual Assault Referral Centres and are being given continual access to any expert services they may need now or in the future.

    “I’d encourage any other victim of Nigel WIlkinson to come forward and speak to us. We’re always here and ready to listen to, believe and respect victims.

    “Our vital work to change perceptions and improve our response to male victims of rape or sexual assault is continuing to evolve and I hope it’s encouraging more victims to find the strength to come forward.

    “If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone. Don’t suffer in silence.”

    If you want to report a rape or sexual assault but don’t want to speak to the police, you can contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre – available 24/7, 365 days a year. Details of your local SARC can be found atwww.thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc

     

  • Nearly 40 per cent of gay men are having unprotected sex

    As STI infections soar in gay and bisexual men across the UK, a poll released by GMFA shows that a staggering 39 per cent of gay and bisexual men are having unprotected sex.

    FS155-cover

     

    Nearly 40 per cent of gay and bisexual men are having unprotected anal sex the majority of the time. A poll by GMFA has revealed that condom usage has “slipped back” since the early days of HIV and the height of the AIDS epidemic.

    Of the 40 per cent that have unprotected sex 49 per cent of them identified their relationship status as single, dating or in an open relationship.

    Despite the lack of protection nearly half of those surveyed also stated that they do in fact worry about STI infections and becoming infected with HIV.

    Matthew Hodson [outgoing CEO] of GMFA said,

    “Condom use has slipped back a little since the early days of HIV, partly because HIV is no longer a death sentence, and partly because we’re not seeing the same investment in sexual health that we saw a decade ago. With resources deployed to promote condoms and sexual health, encourage testing, challenge stigma, ensure that all gay men are well educated about HIV prevention and PrEP provided, we could end HIV within a generation.”

    The latest issue of GMFA’s FS examines the current state of sexual health of gay and bi men in the UK. According to the editor, Issue 155 takes an honest look at how much unprotected sex they are actually having, and asks the question: do we need to rethink HIV prevention?

    Ian Howley, [incoming Interim CEO] of GMFA believes that relationship status has to be taken into account,

    “We know that the majority of gay and bisexual men use condoms some of the time. There is an idea out there that everyone doesn’t use condoms, and for a lot of people who responded to this survey this is the case. But many of these men are in long term relationships, or are married/civil partnered or said they were in a monogamous relationship. When you look at these stats, it’s only a small percentage of gay men, who are having lots of unprotected anal sex, who are at a high level of risk.”

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret featuring Meow-meow

    THEATRE REVIEW | Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret featuring Meow-meow

    ★★★★★ | Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret

    What’s your deepest impression of Barry Humphries? The tacky, kitsch-bitch supreme Dame Edna Everage, all ghastly, C&A drag and granny glasses, or worse, the snot-and dandruff spattered Sir Les Patterson?

    Barry Humphries
    CREDIT: Helen White – PR Supplied

    Hopefully, it’s neither. See, the true Barry Humphries is a deeply cultured graduate of the fine arts, and has written definitive articles on eccentric, human sexuality. He’s also a superb character actor, to the extent audiences mistake his Sir Les Patterson creation for a genuine Ambassador of Australian culture! And if Brits, unfairly, accuse Americans of misunderstanding irony, it’s sheer, poetic justice that they’re completely insensitive to Barry Humphries’ deathly dry, Australian wit.

    There’s a reason for that, of course – what ex-colonial, reactionary, right-wing regime can bear ridicule?

    Not Little Britain, that’s for sure, and Humphries, initially, works hard to win over a cold, deeply monied and highly privileged Chelsea audience. Still, he’s a charming and infectiously erudite bon vivant, all barrel-chest, squat neck and deliberately ironic, his physicality eluding rigid, anal-retentive analysis. Quite simply, the audience – many of whom have never seen the real Humphries – don’t know what to make of him, suspending their typical, pack-mentality persecution prejudices. Oh, don’t get me wrong, many hardcore Conservatives adore the arts – remember David Mellor, anyone? – but often, they view culture as shockingly disposable.

    Not tonight, perhaps. ‘I’m doing my hardest impersonation ever tonight’ Humphries quips, ‘myself’.

    Too true, and Humphries’ actual, authoritative, deeply knowledgeable self is instantly seductive company. Always ferociously anti-fascist and bitterly opposed to any suppression of human diversity, he’s a tireless champion of Berlin’s Weimar Republic, immortalised by Christopher Isherwood’s Cabaret.

    Never heard of the Weimar Republic? Google it ASAP – it’s essential queer history. An inter-wars, sexually diverse paradise, the Republic briefly flourished from 1919-1933, an intense island of queer resistance against crushing, hetero-normative banality. And Humphries, obviously, is in his element, showcasing the cream of Weimar musicality – his entire career has hilariously skewered homophobia on the spot.

    So naturally, his Weimar night shares a treasure-chest of subversive memories. Discovering stacks of obscure, German sheet-music in late 1940s Melbourne, Humphries, enthralled, tracked down any possible recordings and information on the Weimar Republic. Many otherwise utterly obscure composers – Krenek, Spoliansky, Schulhoff and Hollaender – set cynical, Weill and Brechtian lyrics into thrillingly mutated music fusing American jazz and indigenous folk motifs.

    And that music, of course – soon becoming the vital staples of furiously transgessive cabaret throughout Berlin – was pure poison to Germany’s ultra-reactionary, proto-Nazis. Physical, sexual and emotional spontaneity – all encouraged and cemented by Weimar’s signature, polyrhythmic musical delights – was seen as instantly inflammatory, undermining every fascist orthodoxy.

    Tragically, with the brutal rise of Nazi supremacy in 1933, Weimar was immediately suppressed, but Humphries’ gorgeously provocative time-capsule of the era suggests what we’ve lost. Appropriately, he’s accompanied by mischievous, multi-talented diva Meow-meow, channelling as always the spirit, attitude and killer glamour of every possible living drag queen! Yes, Meow-meow is a biological female, but far more than fellow, drag manqué Holestar, Meow-meow performs her femininity as an intoxicating artificiality she’s just discovered. Does it work? Oh god, yes – as sublimely as Ru Paul in full, killer-queen mode, and visiting and inhabiting Weimar’s music simply demands a hugely exaggerated reality!

    CREDIT: Harmony Nicolas PR SUPPLIED
    CREDIT: Harmony Nicolas PR SUPPLIED

    It’s a theme that extends, even, to Humphries’ backing chamber orchestra, all uniformly dressed in sharp, Bohemian black, all Joel Grey trilbies for men and women. And the music’s a revelation, all instantly contagious, colloquial melodies grafted to the spare bones of classicism and non-European, imported tonalities. Yes, there’s some expected, Weimar favourites – ‘Pirate Jenny’ and ‘Surabaya Johhny’ – but the stand-out is Erwin Schulhoff’s ‘Dada masterpiece’, the Sonata Erotica.

    Bearing radical, avant-garde comparison to John Cage’s 4.33’ – four minutes of silence with the score considered any random sounds within that time – Sonata Erotica still startles. Exuberantly performed by Meow-meow, it’s orgasmic moaning, pants and screeching delivered as fine, operatic art, the most joyous, unrestrained expression of subversive sexuality possible!

    No wonder Humphries, after an awkward but endearing dance with Meow-meow, finally exits with an ecstatic grin- he’s just mentally liberated yet another slice of Little Britain!

     

    Follow Sasha DeSuinn on Twitter

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Do you have a secret crush?

    THEATRE REVIEW | Do you have a secret crush?

    ★★★★ | Do you have a secret crush?

    Something quite extraordinary is happening in Wandsworth, the mid 90’s gay scene has come back to life and it’s hilarious as it is heartbreaking.

    CREDIT: PND Photography

     

    Based on a true story, Do You Have A Secret Crush (sleeping with straight men) transports you back to mid-90s-America, where a gay man, Stanley (Chris Britton), working in the city’s only gay bar Flamingos, is eager to spread his wings and escape Pontiac in Michigan. He falls head over heels with a straight waiter, Lee (Rich Watkins) whilst out to lunch with his drag queen friend Sally (Dave Lynn).

    He devises a plan to tell Lee that he has fallen for him, live in front of a television audience, to be broadcast nationally on the daily chat show The Jill Johnson show.

    Flown first class, limo drop offs, all expenses paid trip to New York, both Stan and Lee make their way to the studio separately for the big reveal. What could possibly go wrong?

    The small but perfectly formed company fits in the cosy space of the Lost Theatre in the heart of Wandsworth.

    You’re immediately transported back to the 90s thanks to a rather fabulous soundtrack and costumes. Britton plays Stanley confidently and cheekily, filled with life. Watkins plays straight man Lee safe, curious and slightly unnerving. Ruth Petersen’s mid-morning Talk Show host is perfectly fake, disingenuous and veneered. Drag icon Dave Lynn smoulders as Sally and belts out some glorious numbers. It is however Louie Westwood who manages to steal the show, with his shrieks and trills, hair tszujing and high-campery.

    Do you have a secret crush 1
    CREDIT: PND Photography
    Do you have a secret crush 1
    CREDIT: PND Photography

     

    If your in the mood this summer for some gay history, a slice of campery, a belly of laughs, a hint of longing and a tragic reminder of period less accepting, this glorious time capsule of a play is a must see.

    Do You Have A Secret Crush is playing at the Lost Theatre, Wandsworth until 21st August.

     

    SPOILER (if you’ve not heard of the Scott Amedure story.)

    It’s an incredibly powerful story – even more chilling that it is based on the murder of Scott Amedure in 1995, who went on the Jenny Jones’ talk show to tell Jonathan Schmitz that he was attracted to him. After a “suggestive” note was delivered an enraged Schmitz bought a shotgun and shot Amedure twice in the chest.

    Schmitz was found guilty of second degree murder and is currently serving a 25-50 year sentence.

  • Sainsbury’s security guard tells gay couple off for holding hands

    Sainsbury’s security guard tells gay couple off for holding hands

    A gay couple have been left humiliated and shocked after a security guard at Sainsbury’s told them they were touching inappropriately in store.

    Sainsbury's

    A couple in London have been left shocked after a contractor security guard for Sainsbury‘s took them to one side to tell them that they had caused offence to a fellow shopper as they held hands during their shopping trip in the Hackney Road store.

    Thomas Rees and his partner Josh said they were holding hands and showed “just general public displays of affection”.

    Sainsbury's

    The incident happened after the couple had finished paying for their shopping and were in the process of leaving the store. The security guard, who is employed by an outside security contractor, called them over “with a finger” and told the pair to follow him outside.

    He told the couple that another customer had complained about their behaviour.

    The retailer, whose current pride slogan is “Sainsbury’s Loves Pride” offered Mr Rees and his boyfriend a £10 gift card as a “goodwill gesture” after Mr. Rees took to Twitter to vent his frustration.

    Sainsbury’s Twitter staff tried to resolve the matter by offering the pair a giftcard.

    Mr Rees said,

    “My blood boiled. I was shaking and dumbfounded and unable to respond. He kept repeating the customer felt our behaviour was inappropriate.”

    Speaking to ITV a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said,

    “We sincerely apologise to Thomas and Josh.

    “We are an inclusive retailer and employer and do not tolerate discrimination in our stores.

    “We will take appropriate action once we’ve concluded our investigation with our security contractor.”

  • Brighton Pride goers prepare for rail misery and turmoil

    As one of the busiest prides in the UK is set to take place this weekend, railway firm, Southern Rail issues journey warnings and long delays.

    CREDIT: Martine314 / Bigstock

     

    Hundreds of thousands of people attending Brighton Pride face travel turmoil as Southern Rail continues to grapple with industrial disputes and infrastructure issues.

    The company recently announced it was cancelling 350 daily services.

    Southern Rail which runs the service between London and Brighton released a statement to warn passengers of long delays and station closures during the Brighton Pride weekend and asked people to consider about alternative routes and journeys if they were planning to visit Brighton over this weekend.

    The company said in a statement,

    “Reduced train service will mean very busy trains.

    “Preston Park station will be closed for the safety of passengers and staff.”

    “There will be a reduced service over the weekend to and from Brighton meaning very busy trains.

    “Given the large attendance expected at Pride, as usual there will be a queuing system in place at Brighton Station for return journeys – and the closure of Preston Park Station and the continuing engineering works at London Bridge mean that customers should expect long waiting times before they can board a train home.”

    Queuing System

    The queuing system at Brighton station will be in place from 06:00, and customers will be allowed on to the platforms on a first-come-first served basis as space allows.

    Security precautions

    The problems may further be compounded with added security features to protect pride goers over the weekend.

    Sussex Police said that concrete barriers will be installed as security is stepped up after the terror events in Orlando in June and Nice in July – and all though the UK’s terror threat level is the same as last year – officers are taking no risks.

    Ch Supt Nev Kemp said,

    “[But] most people are unlikely to notice any difference from previous years and none of the changes that we have made should affect the enjoyment of people involved.”

  • Drag mayhem on top of Snowdon

    Drag mayhem on top of Snowdon

    A cock in a frock on a rock… Drag queens are gearing up to scale Wales’ tallest mountain, Snowdon.

    Next summer, a gaggle of drag queens are set to climb Mount Snowdon, one of the UK’s tallest mountains in aid of four charities.

    Organiser, Miss Roxy Ritz said,

     “I was supporting one of my drag queen colleagues, Crystal Ball, who was performing at a local venue and went outside to get some fresh air.

    I was speaking to one of the venue locals who mentioned that they lived in Wales near Snowdonia, which got me talking about Priscilla Queen of the Desert (don’t ask how!). After going back inside I did a little thinking and then it came to me… Queens of Snowdonia!”

    “The idea of drag queens hiking up Snowdonia excited me, so for the next couple of days as I built on the idea, I asked a few people to see what they thought about it and, lo and behold, Queens of Snowdonia progressed from conception, so to speak.”

    The challenge was accepted by Miss Jason, Betty Swollocks, Sissy Sucks and Stephanie Von Clitz and even Dave Lynn.

    © AMzPhoto Depositphotos

     

    Miss Roxy Ritz wants to ultimately get a minimum of 20 drag queens to take part with the aim of raising £10,000 for the causes. You can find out more on their facebook page.

    The four charities the queens aim to raise the cash for are: Macmillan Cancer Research, Terrence Higgins Trust, Cancer is a Drag and Sussex Beacon.