Some of the biggest and brightest stars of the cabaret world will converge in Brighton’s Preston Park next week for what is shaping up to be a truly spectacular Brighton & Hove Pride. The theme this year is ‘Gay Icons’, so Jason Reid was eager to find out from some of the glittering line up, who filled them with pride as their ultimate icons?
Lola Lasagne
“I’ve always lived my life admiring those people who went before us to make things possible in the way we live our lives now, so there are so many people who could be considered icons. I had to really think about it, but I choose Adrella/Peter Searle. I first saw him at the RVT when he ruled Sundays with Lily Savage in High Society. He was an excellent act, incredibly bitchy but funny, plus a superb lip-syncher. But for me, what makes the difference is, that Adrella used the stage to speak out over issues that he considered important to himself and the scene. Something I’ve also tried to do myself. Adrella’s contribution to HIV/AIDS fundraising was second to none at the early onslaught of the disease. He publically declared his own status when onstage at one of his many fundraising efforts, and was heckled by someone because they found the event ‘boring’. An incredibly brave decision. When he died last year, I realised that he had inspired me in more ways then I actually knew, both on and off stage. And I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Miss Jason
“Good lord, dear, that’s a hard one. But I’d have to say Dame Judi Dench. She’s been a constant, ground-breaking actress throughout her career. She’s never afraid of trying something new or controversial. The other iconic dame in my life is Maisie Trolette – got to say that, she’s stood next to me, dear.”
La Voix
“Liza Minnelli, of course! Why is she my icon? Well, even if she looks dreadful, covered in sweat, make up dripping off, voice going and totally knackered, she will aim for that high note even if she dies from it. I love her madness and delivery of every song as if it’s her last. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it?”
Drag with no Name
“My icon is, and always will be, Kylie Minogue. Whilst this may seem somewhat trivial compared to other people’s choices, who may choose more ‘classic’ stars from the past, I grew up with her and her music, so she has always been a huge part of my life. After twenty-five years at the top of her game in the music world she has earned her status as one of the greatest performers of our time. She has remained true to herself and is beauty personified in my opinion, inside and out. She brought out the little ‘showgirl’ in me.”
Dave Lynn
“Mine is an amazing artist who has made a huge impact on gay cabaret/culture: Liza Minnelli. There is, and will always be, an affinity between Liza and gay men. As a young gay man myself, when I saw her concert, Liza with a Z, I knew there and then that I wanted to be an entertainer. It was like an epiphany. Now that’s how you inspire! Another iconic woman who I look up to is Bette Davis. She was a gutsy woman, who regardless of not fitting the archetypical image of the matinee idol reigned supreme because of her sheer raw talent.”
Lady Imelda
“My first is Barbra Streisand. I admire her most for being fearless and honest. The length of her varied career is like the length of her nose. Imagine if she had her nose fixed? My second gay icon is Patti Labelle. Is she a gay icon? She is now. She’s an ultimate power house diva. She creates a beautiful and powerful human sound.”
Sandra
“Billie Holiday is my icon. She suffered such hardship yet produced the most beautiful music – which I grew up on. She paved the way for black performers too, such as Diana Ross and Tina Turner. A real inspiration to me as a young, gay, black performer.”
Brighton Pride is on the weekend of Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th August. The main event ‘Icons on the Park’ is on Saturday 3rd August in Preston Park, Brighton, 12pm-8pm. See page 29 for the Legend’s cabaret tent running order.
