Returning for what’s set to be the most memorable Drag Roast to date, QX and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern have once again teamed up to bring you a night guaranteed to top them all. This time round, Brighton’s Maisie Trollette aka David Raven – drag artiste, actor and singer of more than fifty years – will be roasted by his friends (Jimmy Trollette, Dave Lynn and Miss Jason). The roasters will be serving up the most salacious stories and suitably acidic anecdotes – totally no holds barred, too. This is a one-off event, never to be repeated, with all proceeds going directly to the Terrence Higgins Trust. Jason Reid was mincing about in Brighton this week and spoke to Maisie ahead of the roast…
It’s lovely to speak to you again, David. Are you looking forward to getting roasted?
Well the last time it happened I was on this cannibal island and they’d put me on a spit that turned round and round. They eventually let me go though because I kept pinching the sausages, you see…
What are you expecting?
Darling I have no idea what to expect, but I love new shows and ideas. I know they’re going to be delving into the past and talking about things I’ve probably forgotten.
So you know the premise, right? Basically the roasters will take turns ‘taking the piss’, and then you get to do the same to them afterwards…
Oh I can’t take the piss, it’s not in my nature! I mean, with those three there’ll be so much scope anyway, dear.
This is your first Drag Roast in London. Did you get to choose your own roasters?
No, but I was sent a list of suggestions. Some I looked at and thought, ‘who are they?!’ But Jimmy, Dave and Jason will have plenty to say, that’s for sure.
Do you have a special relationship with all of them?
They are my life. Jimmy and I were the first live act on the scene after winning a talent contest over forty years ago – we hit it off straight away. The same with Dave and Jason, the connection was instant. A good friendship is one that is filled with years of laughter. Just as ours have been.
Of course there’ll be music from the four of you too, any ideas yet what you’ll be performing. Go on, tease us.
Are you sure I’m allowed to say?
Oh go on, I won’t tell.
Well Jimmy and I will probably be singing the very first song we performed together (I was always the ‘straight’ man), called ‘When I Take My Sugar to Tea’ [David sings]. It’s a good old 1920/30’s song dear.
Let’s talk a bit about the RVT, what are your greatest memories of performing there over the years?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many great artists there, from Kathy Kirby to Diana Dors. It’s just special. Always has been and always will be.
What made it so special back when you were a young performer?
It was the only gay entertainment venue, darling, and all the boys and the theatre luvvies would flock there, making it THE place to be. I mean I could name drop like mad, when I think back to people like Freddie Mercury and Andy Bell being in there on Sundays, and in those days the pubs would shut in the afternoon, too.
You have decades of performing experience under your wig and you’re the UK’s longest performing drag artiste, so in your opinion what makes for a good drag artiste?
The audience is boss, and your main aim should be to make them happy. If you enjoy what you do then so will they. Always remember you’re an artist, too, a professional, and conduct yourself as such. If you can do that, you’ll have the time of your life in this great world we call drag.
It’s been an absolute pleasure talking to you as always David. Bring on the Drag Roast now…
And you my darling, I can’t wait. It’s going to be a very special night.
• Thursday 17 September, doors 7pm, show 8:30pm, £10 in advance, £12 on the door.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY
www.vauxhalltavern.com/events/event/drag-roast-with-maisie-trollette
ROASTER: Jimmy Trollette
When did I first meet David? Before God was born, that’s when! Yes, a long time ago indeed. I remember where it was though, very clearly; The Castle pub in Battersea, everyone would flock there on a Saturday night. I used to sit in the corner on my own by the piano, and one week David invited me over to join him and his friends. That’s how our friendship started. The landlady of The Castle then asked us to perform in drag. And that’s when The Trollette’s were born. My first impressions of him? He instantly came across as so friendly and warm – a joy to be around. Forty years on, we still remain dear friends, even though we don’t see each other as much now. It’s a very special bond that we have.
ROASTER: Dave Lynn
As a young performer in the 80’s I was in awe of Maisie and The Trollette’s, they were the cabaret sensation of that era and their live musical performances mixed with sharp comedy was so refreshing. I first met Maisie at The Union Tavern in Camberwell, way back when. I recall how he radiated friendliness to anyone he met and was always supportive of new acts (including me). He has a cheeky side too, almost like a naughty schoolboy, which resonates to this day. Throughout his career, which started circa 1880’s, David has never shied away from any challenge, which was doubly hard in the days before gas and electricity. But seriously, if it wasn’t for Maisie Trollette, I’m not sure I’d be who I am today.
ROASTER: Miss Jason
The Oriental in Hove (Maisie’s guesthouse at the time) was where we first met. The year was 1998, and I was a much bigger girl back then. MUCH bigger! I remember she took one look at me and said jokingly, “don’t fall off that stool, dear, because the Richter scale can’t take it.” After the ice had been broken she held out her hand for me to kiss and asked where I was from, I replied, ‘Portsmouth!’ She counted her rings to check I hadn’t stolen any, and we then became friends for life. I was a regular visitor to Maisie’s guesthouse. She was Brighton’s answer to Sybil Fawlty.
HOST: La Voix
The first time I saw Maisie perform was in 2006, long before La Voix was created. All I remember is howling with laughter at the filthy jokes – even more so when she got the punchline wrong and said “well I fucked that one up dears!”
It was at Maisie’s birthday show in 2012 when I first worked with her. After straining to read my name from the poster advert, she announced me onto the stage: “Please welcome a dear friend of mine… LA VOID.” Maisie also has an amazing skill of undercutting you when you least expect it. Upon Arriving at Miss Jason’s fashion show in Brighton last year, dressed in a new outfit and gorgeous hat, my hair freshly styled, feeling totally fabulous as you can imagine, Maisie clocked my old shoes and said “I love those shoes, they go with everything you own don’t they!”
I’m so honoured to be hosting Maisie’s Drag Roast. A night never to be repeated, and guaranteed to make RuPaul’s Drag Race look like a amateur trial of cabaret.
