QX pays homage to some of the most influential cabaret artists that may have bowed out of the spotlight yet still inspire the artists of today, H.I.H. Regina Fong, Phil Starr and Adrella. These are the cabaret greats that paved the way and shaped the cabaret scene, in a very different time…
Phil Starr
With a career that spanned over fifty years, Phil Starr (Arthur James Fuller) was one of the most recognisable and respected names on the cabaret circuit, performing all over London and the South East. Known for his impeccable comic timing and skill, Starr possessed the gift of the gab, a unique tone, the ability to time and deliver a gag perfectly, and a natural charm that kept audiences engrossed wherever he went.
During the early part of his career he regularly performed at The Black Cap, Camden, and The Union Tavern, Camberwell, alongside the likes of (now legendary names) Mrs. Shufflewick, Marc Fleming and Lee Sutton. He then moved on to run the Two Brewers, Clapham, with his partner Perry, in the seventies, turning it from a failing straight bar into a hugely successful gay bar. It was here that a young act going by name of Paul O’Grady (Lily Savage) made his debut.
Starr was also an integral part of the music hall, variety and adult pantomime productions at London’s Brick Lane Music Hall. In 2000 he settled in Brighton, running Starr’s Hotel and Bar, teaming up regularly with Maisie Trolette as ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’.
Phil Starr continued performing right up until two days before his death. He is often described as one of the most naturally gifted drag comedians of all time.
H.I.H Regina Fong
The character of H.I.H (Her Imperial Highness) Regina Fong (Reg Bundy) was a striking figure onstage in both appearance and presence. Adorned in a trademark ball gown with fire-red hair, she was a Russian princess of the Romanoff family who had escaped to Britain after the Revolution – the last of the Romanoffs. Regina came to prominence proper in 1985 after performing as part of the drag trio The Disapointer Sisters in the early eighties. A regular Tuesday night spot at The Black Cap, as well as shows at the RVT, followed.
Appearing on the scene when drag artistry either fell into the category of dwindling music hall performance or glitzy mime acts, she was instantly and ultimately distinctive. Regina’s audiences joined in with synchronised routines, that became commonplace, tapping into contemporary culture such as television, adverts and popular personalities. These routines were often intermingled with memorable jingles, ditties and soundtracks.
Regina redefined the gay cabaret scene with her characterisations and shows that appealed to a broader spectrum of audiences, reigning supreme at The Black Cap for seventeen years. A feat that is surely unparalleled.
Following Reg Bundy’s death in 2003, The Winter Palace Gala celebrated his ingenuity and iconic status annually up until 2013, remembering the performer, the charity supporter and the man.
Adrella
After winning a talent contest at The Black Cap in 1975, Adrella (Peter Searle) performed as a solo artist and with partners mostly in London, and brief tours of Europe, throughout his cabaret career.
A traditional old-school drag act, who for the most part mimed humorously to show tunes, he was best known for his Liza Minnelli routine. But his repertoire of impersonations was wide reaching and varied.
From 1977 Adrella hosted The Black Cap a staggering six nights a week, working with some of the biggest acts around. Partnered with David Dale, a ten year residency at the RVT as ‘High Society’ in 1982 was next on the cards, with Dale later being replaced by Lily Savage. The RVT ‘Sunday School’ shows were the busiest Sunday afternoon gatherings of their time and still hold legendary status among the drag fraternity today. Adrella also toured with Ebb-on-knee and Ruby Venezuela as The Bizarre Sisters.
During the late eighties he was also known for his charitable work and outspokenness during the AIDS crisis, speaking publicly about his own positive diagnosis in a time when fear was rampant. He was held in high regard for this charity work, so much so that he received an award from the Terrence Higgins Trust in 1987.
Sadly his ill-health resulted in early retirement. But in recent years he made a comeback, delighting new audiences with his star quality and masterful humour.
