Original background art by Mark Wardel

MISS JASON aka Jason Frederick Sutton Jason Frederick Sutton (27 February 1968 – 22 April 2024) Known under his stage name as Miss Jason, he was an English actor, comedian, drag artist, pantomime dame, and a community and philanthropic activist. Born 27 February 1968, Jason Sutton began performing in drag at The Old Vic in Portsmouth in the 1990s. His drag persona was inspired by gay cabaret comedian and singer Phil Starr. Starr bestowed the stage name "Miss Jason" on Sutton. Drag artist Stephen Richards, who performs under the name Lola Lasagne , told BBC Radio Sussex that, personality wise, "Miss Jason" was very much like Sutton himself. Sutton often performed at the Two Brewers pub in London, but was a resident of the village of Rottingdean near the city of Brighton. He was a long-time performer in the Sunday cabaret at the bar at the Legends Hotel. He was named the best local entertainer in Brighton in 2016. As Miss Jason, Sutton appeared on several television programmes, including the comedy game show Blankety Blank, the reality cooking game show Come Dine With Me, the antiquing game show Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, and Weakest Link. Sutton was a noted pantomime dame, performing for charity each Christmas. His performances included pantomime at Portsmouth (2016), Bromley (2017), High Wycombe (2018), Richmond (2019), Barnstaple (2021), Stafford (2022), and Brighton (2023)

FF was an infamous Sunday night club based at Turnmills, Farringdon, London EC1. (1989–1996) FF was favoured by those who loved the Hardcore party scene and enjoyed the right full-on hard core sound of trance and techno. The club had an amazing line-up of residence DJs including Blu Peter, Dr Mu and Mrs Wood. FF @ Turnmills Farringdon, London EC1 (1989–1996) FF was an infamous Sunday night club based at Turnmills, Farringdon, London EC1. (1989–1996) FF was favoured by those who loved the Hardcore party scene and enjoyed the right full-on hard core sound of trance and techno. The club had an amazing line-up of residence DJs including Blu Peter, Dr Mu and Mrs Wood. Lady Denise and the infamous Shiny Best door-whore in town, Suzie Krueger Sunday nights at Turnmills, club rundown FF (1989–1996) Warriors (1996–1997) originally run by Buffalo, Spike, Taz and DJ Lord Kaos (Nursie). Melt (1997–1999) Techno, Nu-Nrg Club. Habit (2000–2001)

Paul James O'Grady/Lily Savage (14 June 1955 – 28 March 2023) Paul was a renowned English comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer, and drag queen. He first gained prominence in the 1980s within London's gay scene through his drag persona Lily Savage, which became a significant part of his identity and helped him achieve wider recognition in the 1990s. Known for her outspoken personality, sharp wit, and distinctive Scouse accent, Lily Savage became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. LILY SAVAGE aka Paul O'Grady 'You need two things in a riot, flat shoes and a pram' Lily Savage Costume worn by Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage Paul James O'Grady (14 June 1955 – 28 March 2023) Paul was a renowned English comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer, and drag queen. He first gained prominence in the 1980s within London's gay scene through his drag persona Lily Savage, which became a significant part of his identity and helped him achieve wider recognition in the 1990s. Known for her outspoken personality, sharp wit, and distinctive Scouse accent, Lily Savage became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Over the decades, O'Grady transitioned from performing in underground gay clubs to mainstream television, showcasing his versatility and talent. In the 2000s, he moved away from his drag persona and became a popular television and radio presenter, hosting shows such as *The Paul O'Grady Show* and *For the Love of Dogs*. His career was marked by his warmth, humour, and genuine connection with audiences, making him a cherished figure in British entertainment until his passing in 2023. 'Have I got to get changed? I’m f*cking sick of this. I’m in and out. The frocks on, the frocks off. I'm like an Amsterdam tart – and not a sh*g in the middle of it' Lily Savage 1/1 'I dress up as a middle-aged prostitute and do a game show' Lily Savage 1/2 ‘I like a Blackpool breakfast, me – 20 ciggies and a pot of tea.’ Lily Savage 1/2 Read Lily's Full Story below: Lilian Maeve Veronica Savage was conceived in Butlins, Pwllheli and was born in Liverpool, outside The Legs Of Man public house, Lime Street. Lily is decidedly cagey about the exact date, but it was rumoured that this diva's birthday fell on the feast day of St. Veronica. It was also the day that Ruth Ellis was hanged, 13 July 1955. Her mother, Hellcat Savage, didn't have gas or air but just lay on a Policeman's Mac and was assisted by the midwife, Mrs Maureen Scobie, who held the Policeman's torch because it was a dark night. Two hours later, Lily's mother was sitting on a bar stool inside the pub having a cherry beer. Hellcat was one of the Wirral's leading lady wrestlers until she had a nasty accident and then she became an Odour Eater demonstrator for Woolworths, in selected stores all round the country. Lily's grandmother, Erica Von Savage, whose real name was Bernadette, was mad as a hatter and would say she was a secret agent going off on missions when actually she was working as a chalet maid on the Isle Of Man. She died of hypothermia after shoplifting frozen turkeys from Bejams. Erica had loved playing with kids so after she was cremated her ashes were put in an Etch-a-Sketch so they could still play with her. Lily had an adopted sister, Veronica Alice Cheeseman, now sadly deceased. 'Our Vera' was found on the step in a little basket, all wrapped in swaddling clothes, with a big label round her neck. She was 23 at the time. Lily's mam had just bought bunk beds and as it was a shame to waste them, she took Vera in. Vera was rather plain looking and wore glasses like re-entry shields but she was very close to Lily. Lily had a happy childhood and was Miss Pears 1959. At five she wanted ballet lessons but they were too expensive. Her family were poor but they were shoplifters. Instead, Lily did country dancing at St. Winifred's Reform School and was also in the Legion Of Mary before being expelled. The Holy nuns couldn't keep her under control so she was put in a detention centre. Lily took up the oldest profession and both her and Vera also did some modelling. Lily was centrefold for Angler's Weekly, May issue, as a dressed crab and Vera did two adverts for Nursing Mirror, one for incontinence pads and the other for a Stannah stairlift. Lily's first real job was in Woolies on the Pick 'n' Mix and then she was moved to the cold meat counter before her now manager discovered her. She also worked as a stripper in the Blue Balloon Club, Huddersfield, alongside the Tooting Bec Twirler, Gaby Rose Lyn. Before long, Lily was appearing in elegant watering holes such as The Elephant And Castle and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern where she took part in Stars Of The Future. Not afraid to work with animals, Lily initially featured a ferret in her act then later teamed up with Skippy the fox, who is now retired and living in a home in Brighton. In her early acting career she made a low budget, Swedish movie, 'Nativity 2', filmed in a block of flats in Stockwell. She has also done children's parties as Lily Poppins. She would make a trifle out of Night Nurse and finish them off with a Benylin scone. Her theatre debut came in 1991 when she appeared at the Hackney Empire, a show witnessed by the ghost of her grandmother who watched from the box. Television beckoned and in 1995 Lily landed her own variety series, 'Live From The Lilydrome', recorded in Blackpool. She was back in the seaside resort the following year when her show on the North Pier broke all box office records selling in excess of 100,000 tickets and winning her a gold disc. More TV success followed with the 'Big Breakfast' where Lily interviewed celebrities whom she'd enticed onto her bed. She was known as 'Queen of the Boudoir'. In 1996 Lily won Cosmopolitan's 'best looking legs' award, which was followed by Lily advertising snag-free Resilience tights in 1997 for Pretty Polly. The TV offers continued to flooded in and Lily became host of the resurrected game show 'Blankety Blank' on which contestants competed for prizes such as toasters and sets of pans. Interspersed with TV, there were sell-out tours in theatres up and down the country. She was now playing such esteemed venues as the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall and made her debut in London's West End with 'Prisoner Cell Block H The Musical'. Lily was able to draw on her own experiences in the detention centre to play the prisoner wrongly accused of killing her sister, Vera. Further stage credits included Miss Hannigan in the musical 'Annie'. At this time, Lily was asked to compere the Royal Variety Performance but had to decline due to work commitments. She did however perform at the show with a routine from 'Annie'. Most recently, she has undertaken five seasons of Pantomime playing The Wicked Queen in 'Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs'. Although being in showbiz, Lily also found time to become a wife and mother. Unfortunately, Lily was the first in her family to get divorced but this was hardly surprising since she was the only one to have got married in the first place. Since then, she has been romantically linked with the Australian charmer, Bob Downe, whom she first met in 1991 at one of her many Edinburgh Festival appearances. They subsequently toured together both in the UK and Australia. Although they professed to be "just good friends" they were engaged at one stage. Lily broke off the engagement when the ring Bob gave her turned her finger green. Lily has two illegitimate children, Bunty Bernadette and Jason (her social worker wouldn't take the kids off her). The eldest, Bunty married Ashley, a Hells Angel, turned tile cleaner, from Wigan. Before Ashley slung his hook, they provided Lily with her first grandchild, Kylie Marie. At puberty, she will no doubt inherit the Savage Streak, that clump of black hair amid the peroxide blonde, similar to the Mallen Streak. Lily's son, Jason Ozzie Savage, was born in 1980 and is the only male member of the Savage clan. He spent some time in borstal a private boys school, just outside Harrogate for being branded the Stockwell arsonist but he was innocent. He wants to be a film maker and practiced by making a video diary of his dysfunctional family. Once Lily made the big time she moved her family from her Lambeth multi storey flat to a dead posh house in Hampstead, 63 Upitself Avenue. With Richard & Judy and Katie Boyle as neighbours, the area is a bit rough but Lily's mansion is set in it's own grounds and even has an indoor swimming pool. Lily's mother's ashes sit in an urn next to the pool since she loved water and was always down the docks. Of a morning, Lily enjoys a Blackpool breakfast - 20 ciggies (Lambert & Butler) and a pot of tea. She only drinks cider but not the designer muck. During the winter, Lily likes nothing better than to visit Skye with the dogs. She would often go on holiday with Vera to Lourdes with the Union of Catholic Mothers or visit her 4-berth caravan in Talacre North Wales, which is available for hire, October to January. Now that she is a superstar and International Sex Kitten, Lily has reputedly insured her legs for £1 million with Lloyds of London and has developed her own range of beauty products including a perfume, Flame of Llandudno, by Avon but she remains true to her roots and still wears M&S 100% cotton, double gusset drawers. Her previous occupation behind her, Lily still provides the occasional 'special' service to very respectable gentlemen. LOVE LILY?

In the 70s, 80s and 90s Earls Court was the gay mecca hub for gay men who didn't want to trek into Soho and the West End of London

SANDRA HUSH aka David Hunter David Hunter, also known as Sandra Hush was a doyenne of the British drag scene for over two decades. David primarily worked as a window dresser when he first moved to London. His eye for detail and design would fuel his incredible talent which was yet to be unleashed. David rapidly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, not just as a performer but also as a seamstress, costume designer, wig dresser, choreographer, producer, scriptwriter, sound technician et al. In all, he was the complete package! His talent for all the above was unfounded. Every costume fastidiously designed and stitched, every part of his made up face was an immaculate work of art, not a single strand of beautifully coiffed nylon hair was ever out of place - the show could not go on until those perfectly manicured false nails were glued on tight. Every show was a testament to his skill as an illusionist and artiste of his craft. David worked in various double and triple acts alongside the likes of the legendary Lily Savage , David Dale, (Lily, Sandra & David Dales act was called LSD), with HIH Regina Fong and Miss Mercedes as Triple X, The Lady Christine, Alice & Barbara of ABC fame, Connie and Beryl of Miss Demeanours fame, Millie Mopp and Lola Lasagne to name but a few - his input and ideas were infectious, his shows legendary and his love for his fellow artistes undeniable. David was witty, acerbic, gentle, loving and kind. He was adored by so many and loved by so many — by John Dickson 'David was very generous with his talent. He made costumes, dressed wigs etc not only for many of the established acts on the circuit but also for those aspiring drag queens who would turn up at his flat clutching a bedraggled excuse for a wig and like one of Cinderella’s fairy godmothers, in no time at all he would turn it into a work of art fit for any head. If the impossible was impossible, he’d also tell you in no uncertain terms where to stick it - this would invariably be “up your hoop”, an affectionate term amongst his circle for ones arse. David was witty, acerbic, gentle, loving and kind. He was adored by so many and loved by so many. The last time I visited David in hospital at the old Chelsea & Westminster hospital site, we laughed, we cried, I brought him his lunch, we hugged, he was alive with copious amounts of wit and sarcasm … he held onto this unique sense of humour throughout the various infections and illnesses this insidious disease threw at him. All the nurses adored him. As we hugged goodbye, I looked into his eyes and I knew this would be the last time I saw David. I think he knew too. I was to see that very same look in several others eyes prior to their demise over the following years.On the day of his funeral his family were delayed in London’s infamous all day rush hour traffic; they travelled from the Midlands where David hailed from and we had to start without them. I was asked to stand in for his brother and carry David’s coffin into the chapel. It was an honour for me as a final thank you for the laughter, the tears, friendship and love this amazing person brought to so many. I couldn’t have been prouder. David made an indelible impact on those he met, none more so than with his partner Mike Geraghty. Mike has red hair, David adored red heads. I do believe Mike was David’s one true love; they both truly loved each other. David was able to be himself; Sandra, sequins and feathers were part of the package. Equally, David wouldn’t look out of place propping up the bar in one of London’s many infamous leather bars, dressed in leather jeans, big boots and a customised waistcoat made of leather and adorned with studs that he designed and made on the very same sewing machine as countless over the top stage costumes, casting witty aspersions on the assembled throng of Leather Marys. David played both parts so well … if only they knew. I stand here and shout out loud and proud for David Hunter, Amazonian Drag Doyenne & Goddess, Sandra Hush' I love you as much now as I did 29 years ago before you were so abruptly taken from us my friend. May you remain forever immortalised on this amazing medium, The AIDS Memorial and I just bet you are still turning bedraggled nylon ‘riah’ bundles into beautiful works of art for all the gone but not forgotten drag angels above ” — by John Dickson “David Hunter, also known as Sandra Hush, died from AIDS related complications on 1st September 1992; he was 38.

Practically untouched since its April 1985 opening (with dusty boots dangling from the ceiling to prove it), John Edwards's bar The Backstreet (referred to as simply 'Backstreet') abides by its strict fetish dress code, and the pay-off for its loyal leather and rubber clientele is an unfussy, dark and atmospheric cruising space — the closest thing London has to an old-style European leather bar. THE BACKSTREET London's oldest leather bar The Backstreet was a gay leather bar on the Mile End Road in London's East End. It was London's longest running, and last remaining leather bar, having opened in April 1985. In 2019, it was saved from redevelopment by Tower Hamlets Council, which stated that the redevelopment would "harm the long-term provision of a nightclub that serves the LGBT+ community". The reprieve was short lived however, and the bar closed permanently on 17 July 2022. In 2024, a documentary film about the leather bar. The Backstreet premiered at the Sheffield Docfest directed by Romain Beck

RUBYVENEZUELA aka Brian Pierce Born in Plymouth, Ruby became a hit on the drag circuit, performing at Madame Jo Jo’s and Club Fantastic. “I may not be young, but as soon as the music starts I can’t help but jump around" “There’s not many of us left. Now drag artists are basically transvestites who mime and can’t sing. But people will always love over-the-top glamour, and it fits in nicely with the burlesque revival.” Soho singer Lanah P recalled meeting a “huge ball of sequins” in the 1980s and told how Ruby raised funds for Aids hospices or homelessness, performing at the The Soho festival or Phoenix Theatre. Lanah added: “I’ve always been interested and partial towards the avant-garde or post-modernistic elements of the performer and one of my fave periods of Ruby was when she’d come on stage dressed as a bed. It even had cigarette burns on it – but tidier than Tracey Emin’s – and sing this mad song called I’d Rather Have You, but she’d changed the words to “I’d rather have crumbs in my bed”. Hilarious! “I always found her great theatrical value and quite a kind-hearted, generous soul, so now rest in peace, dear.”The editor of Pride Life, Nigel Robinson, told Gay Star News: “I hesitate calling her a drag queen/artiste because she was more than that, more like a bonkers tornado coming in from Kansas, the lovechild of Mrs Shufflewick, Ethel Merman, Mervyn Peake, and Beryl Cook, but above all else her very own character, bringing delight to everyone, young and old.” “Ruby was a terrific performer who loved Soho and cared deeply about this community. She was a true Soho icon and in her passing it feels like another feather boa has been stripped from our streets.” - Rev Simon Buckley Theatre producer and manager Clive Chenery, in an online post, described Ruby as “Soho royalty”, adding:“Ruby sang at my 40th at Steph’s Restaurant. He was truly a one-off and is irreplaceable. He was immortalised by Beryl Cooke who was his next- door neighbour in Plymouth during his childhood. I was fortunate to know, and work with, Ruby on many occasions.”He recalled driving Ruby driving back to Soho to perform in a show at Madame Jo Jo’s from a production of Cinderella in Guildford Civic Hall in 1988.“They got a free tank of petrol one night on the A3 when Ruby got out to pay cash… in full drag.” A portrait of Ruby by Damien Frost

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Gay Expo in Islington - circa 96/97 | Lost Gay London G ay Expo, Islington Circa 96/97 Photos submitted from Juha Repo

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