Lost Gay London Video Page! We're excited to share this collection of videos with you. There's a wide range of footage, from our much loved Pride marches, to fabulous queens sitting in Brompton Cemetery foldly reminiscing about The Coleherne. Feel free to explore our diverse range of memorable events, and relive some of our favourite moments. Happy viewing! All Videos Toutes les catégories Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 07:34 Gay London In The 90 s Brompton Cemetery Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 09:23 Trade - Flash Back - Are you ready Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 02:37 Titti La Camp Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 07:38 Titti La Camp Drag Roast segment at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 06:17 Putting on the dish, the art of Polari Polari is a historically used form of secret slang or cant, primarily by gay men in Britain, but also by other groups like performers, sailors, and criminals. It was a way to communicate privately, particularly during a time when homosexuality was illegal and stigmatized. Polari's origins are diverse, drawing from Italian, Romani, Yiddish, and other influences, according to Wikipedia. Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 03:04 Sandra Hush.1 Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 01:56 Sandra Hush Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 03:00 Millie Mop - Any Queen Will Do Millie Mop - Any Queen Will Do Lire la vidéo Lire la vidéo 16:08 The Wayout Club - Steffan Whitfield The Wayout Club - Steffan Whitfield. Uk Drag Queen En voir plus

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)

LEE SUTTON aka Leonard Sutch Lee Sutton (Leonard Sutch) was an English drag artiste (female impersonator) active in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly popular in London. He was known for billing himself as "Lee Sutton, a Near Miss" and was the only other female impersonator booked by the famous drag performer Danny La Rue to work at his hotel. He released several albums of his material. Lee died in August 1978. A rare recording of Lee Sutton @ the Union Tavern in 1968 Lee Sutton, Drag For Camp Followers (Full audio show)

Who remembers Steph’s Restaurant in Soho? Chicken liver pate and Snuffies chicken! With pink flamingos on the walls and amazing wait staff, they even employed a magician at weekends who would go from table to table entertaining the post theatre/pre club crowd. It was all very camp! S teph's Restaurant, Soho Who remembers Steph’s Restaurant in Soho? Chicken liver pate and Snuffies chicken! With pink flamingos on the walls and amazing wait staff, they even employed a magician at weekends who would go from table to table entertaining the post theatre/pre club crowd. It was all very camp! 1/1

Life's a Drag. UK Drag Queens of the past. From Lily Savage and Regina Fong to Adrella and Zsarday Life's a Drag, UK Drag Queens A brief history of U K drag The transcension of drag queens in the UK from the past to the present reflects a significant evolution in cultural acceptance, artistic expression, and media representation. **Historical Context:** In the past, drag in the UK was often associated with traditional theatrical performances, such as pantomimes, where men would dress as women for comedic effect. The visibility of drag was limited, and it primarily existed in niche venues or within the LGBTQ+ community. **1980s to 1990s:** The rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement brought more visibility to drag culture. Performers like Lily Savage gained mainstream recognition, and drag began to be seen as a legitimate art form rather than just a comedic gimmick. Clubs and bars started to embrace drag shows, and events like Pride celebrations included drag performances. **2000s:** The advent of reality television, particularly with shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race," popularised drag culture globally. UK performers, such as Bianca Del Rio and later UK queens like The Vivienne and Baga Chipz, gained fame, further bridging the gap between underground drag and mainstream entertainment. **Present Day:** Today, drag queens in the UK are celebrated figures in popular culture, with many achieving celebrity status. The art form has diversified, encompassing various styles and performances, from comedy to high fashion. Drag is also increasingly recognised for its role in activism, addressing issues like gender identity, sexuality, and social justice. Overall, the transcension of drag queens in the UK showcases a journey from marginalization to mainstream acceptance, highlighting the vibrant, transformative nature of drag as both an art form and a means of self-expression. Lily Savage aka Paul O'Grady Paul James O'Grady (14 June 1955 – 28 March 2023) Paul was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen , actor, and writer. He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag persona Lily Savage, through which he gained wider popularity in the 1990s. Lily Savage was the stage persona of British entertainer Paul O'Grady. A beloved drag queen and comedian, Lily gained fame for her outspoken personality, sharp wit, and trademark Scouse accent. Her career spanned decades, taking her from underground gay clubs in London to prime-time television. O'Grady subsequently dropped the character and in the 2000s became the presenter of various television and radio shows, including The Paul O'Grady Show and For the love of dogs . Regina Fong aka Reg Bundy Her Imperial Highness, The Grand Duchess Regina Fong Last of the Romanovs Her Imperial Highness was born to the Russian Imperial Family of St Petersburg in 1905, but was almost immediately hidden away on the orders of the Czar due to her startling mane of flame red hair. During the storming of the Winter Palace in the uprising of 1917, she escaped due to the quick thinking of her nanny, who flung her, clutching three Faberge Eggs, from a third floor window. With great presence of mind and an ability to survive everything the world threw at her, she commandeered a Troika, and after a long and perilous journey, ended up in the Forbidden City in China. She began teaching flower arranging to the Dowager Empress, who so taken with her skills, refused to allow her to leave. In order to secure her escape from the enclosed city, she married a Chinese courtier called Wing Wang Fong. With her newly found freedom she moved to the stunning gothic mansion 'Fong Towers' in the Royal County of Berkshire, Great Briton, under the patronage of her imperial cousins, The Windsor' Rumours and urban myths followed Her Imperial Highness through out her life, some say she called herself 'Reginald' and impersonated a man from 1967 onwards in order to become a well respected dancer, appearing in the films "Oh What a Lovely War" and "Slipper and the Rose". She appeared in "The Rolf Harris Show", as well as numerous performances in London West End and the Royal Court. Not to mention Panto and Rep around the country. She hosted "Club X" on channel 4, and completed another motion picture entitled "AKA". There are stories also about an infamous and hugely popular all girl troupe called The Disapointer Sisters, one of whom had a startling mane of flame red hair! Many people also swear that for a six-month period there appeared in various "bars" and seedy venues a mysterious man in black leather with an enormous black mascara coated moustache who after his fourth "pint" would regale fellow patrons of life in The Winter Palace! None of these "stories" were ever confirmed (nor denied) by Her Imperial Highness, but we do know that in 1985 she filled in for one week for a dear friend and hosted a show at The Black Cap. One week turned into over 17 years, and so the legend of Her Imperial Highness, Grand Duchess Regina Fong was born. She passed away peacefully on 15 April 2003. R.I.P Regina the Grand Duchess Dockyard Dorris aka Colin Devereaux Colin Devereaux was a performer best known for his popular drag persona, Dockyard Doris. Performing in Islington was in his blood, as he was a direct descendent of Marie Lloyd, a very popular music hall singer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He studied at the Italia Conti Stage School as a teenager. The character of Dockyard Doris was a music-hall inspired pantomime dame known for her outrageous sense of humour. Doris was incredibly popular all over London in the 1980s and 1990s, and appeared often in pantomimes and shows all over the city. She was also well known for her impression of the Queen Mother, which she performed at Central Station during the Queen Mother’s birthday celebration in 2000. In the Islington’s P r i d e Archive at the Islington Local History Centre, is correspondence from the Queen Mother, politely declining an invitation to visit Central Station during her birthday celebration. Devereaux was known as a fairly quiet person off-stage, but his loud and fun on-stage personality made him incredibly popular and he had a wildly successful 30 year career with appearances on TV shows and in movies along with his regular cabaret and stage performances. Devereaux passed away aged 50 after a long battle with cancer. Danny La Rue Danny La Rue OBE (Daniel Patrick Carroll, 26 July 1927 – 31 May 2009) Danny was an entertainer best known for on-stage theatrical productions, television shows and films where he customarily performed in drag. Adrella aka Peter Searle/Peter Steadman Peter Searle, professionally known as Peter Steadman, who as ‘Adrella’ was a huge star of the cabaret circuit from the mid-70s and directly inspired many of those who are part of the current drag revival, died at the age of 56 after many years of illness. Adrella worked both solo and with partners such as Lily Savage, David Dale, Ebbonknee and Ruby Venezuela. An old-school drag act, who mostly mimed to show tunes, he was best known for his Liza Minnelli routine. He was also a Eurovision fanatic and even juror for the UK’s judging panel in 2008. For a while, during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, he was one of the most adored performers on the gay scene and did so much charity work that in 1987 he was given an award by the Terrence Higgins Trust. Tragically his ill-health resulted in an early retirement and less recognition than he deserved. He made a comeback, delighting new audiences with his almost undiminihed star quality. The son of a policeman, Searle claimed that he was raised in a police station in the middle of Hyde Park and that he was still living there in 1975, when he entered a talent competition at the Black Cap. He popped briefly into the West End in 1982, when he appeared in La Vie en Rose at the La Vie, formerly the Windmill Theatre. But he will be remembered by most as one of the great gay scene acts, especially for his work at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. There are many recordings, notably of Adrella’s Nativity at Christmas, 1987, a show that drove the crowd wild. He also made numerous TV appearances on game shows, including Treasure Hunt, Talkabout, the Weakest Link and 15 to 1. Adrella’s last big success was ‘Camp Camp’, which he produced at Butlin’s, Skegness, in 1991. A follow-up was abandoned. Searle later wrote, “The second one collapsed after Butlin’s withdrew, due to negative press affecting their bookings [reports linked the event to the AIDS scare], and in-fighting between the two companies who produced the first event.” Adrella continued to host the RVT’s Sports Days. But subsequently Peter’s health deteriorated. (Text from QX Magazine 2012) Divine on a river boat at Pride London 1985, for Heaven Night Club copy Lire la vidéo Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copiez le lien Lien copié Zsarday aka Zsarday Forde/Skinny Bitch “I knew Zsarday from when she performed at Regina Fong’s Monday Madhouse at the Black Cap. The ‘And I am Telling You’ number, which was known as the ‘fur coat’ routine was iconic at the time.” – Sandra Zsarday was a black trans performer in the circuit in the 80s and 90s in London, who sadly is no longer with us. She was legendary throughout the London and UK scene for her performance in the Regina Fong show signing 'and I'm telling you'. When she took to the stage in her fabulous Leopard skin coat and white pearls around her neck, she commanded everyones eyes. With her shaking hands she would pull her coat off and throw it at the audience, then the pearls would be ripped off and where they would go is anyones guess. Despite a career that included modelling for Alexander McQueen and Vivienne westwood, she lived a precarious life that tragically ended on her 40th birthday weekend in 2009. Zsarday’s coat was donated to the Museum of Transology by her friend Mzz Kimberley 5 Drag Divas and a Duo 5 Drag Divas and a Duo was originally sold to support SUSSEX BEACON in 1998. Making a Difference for People Living with HIV CD features David Raven (Maisie Trollette,) Jimmy Trollette, Dockyard Doris, Dave Lynn & Phil Starr accompanied by Michael Topping, Stan Baines, Tracy Davenport and Glenda. TRACK LISTING 0.15 David Raven I'm Still Here 5.22 Phil Starr No Regrets 9.08 Jimmy Trollette Love Is All 13.03 Dockyard Doris Ring Them Bells 17.00 Dave Lynn With Michael Topping Sweet Georgia Brown 19.43 Tracy Davenport Fly Me To The Moon 21.55 Stan Baines Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You 25.33 The Trollettes The Impossible Dream 27.50 Dockyard Doris No Matter What 31.46 Tracy Davenport Who Can I Turn To 34.19 Phil Starr With Glenda The Old Bazaar In Cairo 37.10 Dave Lynn Wind Beneath My Wings 40.13 David Raven If Ever I Would Leave You 42.52 Stan Baines Sam45.54 Jimmy Trollette And I Love You So 49.50 Five Drag Divas And A Duo United We Stand If you wish to visit their website and make a donation please visit: https://www.sussexbeacon.org.uk Maisie Trollette, Jimmy Trollette, Phil Star, Dockyard Doris Fudges Final Curtain

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

Special thanks to some of the individuals that have contributed to the making of Lost Gay London website. Source Material for this page: www.qxmagazine.com www.afterwards.org.uk/backstreetclub/ www.doreenfletcherartist.com/copy-of-fp-022-corner-shop-canning- www.chichesterpride.co.uk/post/a-brief-history-of-drag-in-the-uk https://en.wikipedia.org/ www.facebook.com/peter.ashworth.photography www.qxmagazine.com/pdf/gayhistory-south www.facebook.com/groups/sherbeta-clubbing-legend-6685854754/ www.facebook.com/groups/378960008901960?locale=en_GB (FF) www.facebook.com/groups/16318276046/media (Shebang Magazine) https://lgbthistoryuk.org/wiki/Shebang www.bigissue.com/culture/lily-savage-british-drag-pays-tribute-to-a-queen/ www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/mar/27/secret-life-of-paul-ogrady-by-friends-his-numbers-still-saved-in-my-phone-i-cant-delete-it (Paul O’Grady aka Lily Savage) www.theblackcap.com/html/regina_fong.htm https://apropos-site.com/blog/out-and-about www.qxmagazine.com/2013/04/the-a_z-of-cabaret/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnmills www.closedpubs.co.uk/london/sw1_belgravia_stag2.html https://islington.humap.site/map/records/colin-devereaux www.queermusicheritage.com/drag-fivedrag.html www.oocities.org/lilysavage_uk/biography.html https://swishcraftmusic.com/artists/rich-b/ www.bishopsgate.org.uk/collections/london-pride-1990s www.youtube.com/@paullaurendeau2439 www.youtube.com/@Tittilacamp Special thanks to some of the individuals that have contributed to the making of L ost G ay L ondon website. Kimberley Clarke aka Mzz Kimberley Lewis Oswald Jota Da Costa Mark Wardel aka TradeMark Pippa Alldritt Rose Collis - Collection Roddy F Suzie Krueger "Without you, we would not be able to have such an amazing source of material for our archive, Thank you" Gage Öhrn

James Lee Williams (12 April 1992 – 3 January 2025), known professionally as The Vivienne, was a British drag queen from Colwyn Bay, Wales, and winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, placing third in the fifteenth series in 2023. In 2015, before the release of Drag Race UK, they were the UK drag ambassador for the American series RuPaul's Drag Race. THE VIVIENNE aka James Lee Williams James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, was a British drag queen from Colwyn Bay, Wales, and winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. They later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, placing third in the fifteenth series in 2023. In 2015, before the release of Drag Race UK, they were the UK drag ambassador for the American series RuPaul's Drag Race. 1/3 In addition to appearing on television, The Vivienne released music, including the extended play Bitch on Heels (2022), and acted on stage, notably as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz. The Vivienne died two days before being found on 5 January 2025 from a cardiac arrest, associated with a ketamine overdose, at 32 years of age. (12 April 1992 – 3 January 2025) “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. “I see it online all the time, “Oh, she’s a bitch.” I ’m like, ‘You’ve never met me!’ The on-tour people say I’m the nicest person they’ve ever worked with! It was season one of Drag Race UK that did it.” The Vivienne “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person." Family Spokes Person

Madame Jojo's was a nightclub and venue for cabaret, burlesque, drag shows, and live music located on Brewer Street in the Soho area of the City of Westminster

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.

Peter Searle, professionally known as Peter Steadman, who as ‘Adrella’ was a huge star of the cabaret. Adrella was best known for his Liza Minnelli routine. He was also a Eurovision fanatic and even juror for the UK’s judging panel in 2008. For a while, during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, he was one of the most adored performers on the gay scene and did so much charity work that in 1987 he was given an award by the Terrence Higgins Trust. He entered a talent competition at the Black Cap. ADRELLA aka Peter Searle Peter Searle, professionally known as ‘Adrella, was a huge star of the cabaret circuit from the mid-70s and directly inspired many of those who are part of the current drag revival. Adrella worked both solo and with partners such as Lily Savage, David Dale, Ebbonknee and Ruby Venezuela. An old-school drag act, who mostly mimed to show tunes, he was best known for his Liza Minnelli routine. He was also a Eurovision fanatic and even juror for the UK’s judging panel in 2008. For a while, during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, he was one of the most adored performers on the gay scene and did so much charity work that in 1987 he was given an award by the Terrence Higgins Trust. Tragically his ill-health resulted in an early retirement and less recognition than he deserved. He made a comeback, delighting new audiences with his almost undiminihed star quality. The son of a policeman, Searle claimed that he was raised in a police station in the middle of Hyde Park and that he was still living there in 1975, when he entered a talent competition at the Black Cap. He popped briefly into the West End in 1982, when he appeared in La Vie en Rose at the La Vie, formerly the Windmill Theatre. But he will be remembered by most as one of the great gay scene acts, especially for his work at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. There are many recordings, notably of Adrella’s Nativity at Christmas, 1987, a show that drove the crowd wild. He also made numerous TV appearances on game shows, including Treasure Hunt, Talkabout, the Weakest Link and 15 to 1. Adrella’s last big success was ‘Camp Camp’, which he produced at Butlin’s, Skegness, in 1991. A follow-up was abandoned. Searle later wrote, “The second one collapsed after Butlin’s withdrew, due to negative press affecting their bookings [reports linked the event to the AIDS scare], and in-fighting between the two companies who produced the first event.” Adrella continued to host the RVT’s Sports Days. But subsequently Peter’s health deteriorated. (Original text from QX Magazine 2012) 1/2 ADRELLA SING ALONG It's Liza with 'Z' not Lisa with an 'S''Cause Lisa with an 'S' goes 'sss' not 'zzz' It's 'Z' instead of 'S', 'Lie' instead of 'Lee 'It's simple as can be, see, LizaLi--uh, wait, I'll do it again It's Liza with 'Z' not Lisa with an 'S''Cause Lisa with an 'S' goes 'sss,' not 'zzz'It's 'Z' instead of 'S', 'Lie' instead of 'Lee' It's simple as can be, see, LizaNow, if my name were AdaI'd be Ada, even backwards I'd be Ada Or if my name were RuthThen I'd be Ruth because with Ruth what can you do? Or Sally, or Margaret or Ginger or FayeBut when you're a Liza you always have to sayNo, it's Liza with 'Z' not Lisa with an 'S'' Cause Lisa with an 'S' goes 'sss,' not 'zzz'It's 'Z' instead of 'S', 'Lie' instead of 'Lee'It's simple as can be, see, Liza ADRELLA Full 20 minute show Adrella performing at the Gloucester in Greenwich July 1993 Memorial to Peter Searle (Steadman)