SANDRAHUSH
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.