10/08/13: There’s been more than a fair share of doom and gloom in the air of late – especially surrounding the draconian changes in law affecting LGBT Russians. So on the day Moscow hosted ‘some athletics event’, over here in the civilised world, we pinned in our wigs and slid into our sluttiest, most QUEER gear for a fabulous race of the drag variety, followed by a street party, of the kind, only us gays know how to throw!
We opted to take the naval route across to Greenwich, because let’s face it, it’s not everyday we get a chance to sit by a vibrating engine as we pass the Houses of Parliament in a semi-orgasmic state.
Arriving just in time for the race, the ‘girls’ lined up, anticipating the imminent jostling. The Duchess promptly stubbed out her fag and trumpeted the start. And no we didn’t run with them. That gym membership has more dust on it than Putin’s copy of ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’. The winner: Muna Rave, and all the other runners raised £1483 for the Help for Hero’s charity. The total for the Albert Kennedy Trust was still being trotted up as we went to print.
The specially erected outdoor cabaret stage played host to a bevy of talented artists at Ye Olde Rose and Crown. Poptarts serenaded us with a Jayne McDonald melody (her off of Loose Women). Queen Martha D’Arthur (because she’s just so regal) looked suitably patriotic, fresh from the protest; the theme of which ran through her performance.
Our get-up of the day had to go to the super-shimmery Connie Lingus. The hair! The electric blue frock! You looked glorious, darling. Her ‘Liza’ went down a treat with the crowd. Another highlight of the day was The Duchess, hosting in between acts. Gut-busting one-liners and acerbic wit that made us howl with laughter. Rose Garden was on top form too, taking to the stage as dusk settled.
The day was organised beautifully and the atmosphere was really friendly, which is so very important. Festivities continued over at The Duchess’ gaff, The George and Dragon, well into the night.
Ye Old Rose & Crown, 1 Crooms Hill, Greenwhich, London SE10 8ER
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Joel Ryder
