Dave Lynn at 60

Words by Jason Reid

A highly revered drag artist and actor of more than forty years, and a gentleman through and through; Dave Lynn is preparing to celebrate his sixtieth birthday and it’s set to be a typically lavish shindig.

Dave and I have been good friends for a few years now, and whenever we get gas-bagging there’s no stopping us. So this is the abridged version of our chat this week, about the past, present and future…

Hey Dave, happy birthday! How are you feeling about this milestone? 
I’m just glad I got here. Usually drag artists don’t last as long as I have, except our Maisie, and sadly I lost a lot of friends along the way, but yeah, I feel fantastic about reaching this milestone.  

That’s a refreshing attitude. Elder queens are often very coy about revealing their age. 
I don’t see the point in lying. The only time I lie is when I say I’m a woman on stage.

As the old adage goes, age is just a number? 
You’re quite right. It’s important to embrace that youthful side, regardless of age. I don’t want to be a cantankerous old bastard. If I don’t fit into something or somewhere, I won’t go. It’s that simple. 

You’re also a very positive and happy person. Do you think that plays a part in longevity? 
It does. But I had to fight for that. There have been times when I’ve hated everything because of what was happening in my life at the time. You have to truly enjoy what you do, and I do. The scene is my extended family. And whenever I’ve needed help, that family has always been there for me. 

Are you happy with where you are right now? 
I think so, yeah. I’m not gonna lie, it is harder when you get older. People treat you differently. But I’m very lucky to be surrounded by good people.

How will you be celebrating this birthday? Quiet drinks with friends? 
Well, not quite [laughs]. British Airways have kindly offered the i360 in Brighton for an evening party and Legends have done the same for a later bash. 

You don’t do things by halves…
When you get to this age, you can go all out. I’ve got family, friends and fellow performers, from over the years, joining me to celebrate. And I’m sure there’ll be surprises too. 

What would be your dream birthday gift this year? 
Plastic surgery. 

More?
[laughs] Cheeky bitch! Seriously though, as I’ve got older the most important thing, the perfect gift, is continued happiness.   

What or who is most important to you right now? 
Tamzin, my ex-wife and best friend. She has always been there for me and I love her very much. 

Would you ever consider going down the Paul O’Grady route and writing a book about your 40+ years in drag? 
I so want to. I’d probably end up destroying peoples’ lives. But there is so much I’d like to say and share. If someone sat with me and planned it out, I’d do it. Maybe one day we can do it together? 

I’d be honoured. One of the first memories I have of you is from the film Beautiful Thing. That, along with Queer as Folk, both pioneering pieces, spoke so powerfully and positively to young gay people at the time, including me. Now Beautiful Thing is now returning as a play. What are your memories of being in that film? 
It was just a joy to be involved with. I hadn’t seen the original play but I did know the writer, ‪Jonathan Harvey, through friends. When I watched the finished version I thought, my god this is what we want and NEED right now. At the time we weren’t aware of how it had affected people. I’m incredibly proud of that film.  

What are you hoping for in the future?
Whatever the future gives me. I’m still open to new challenges and there’s a few things I want to do. As long as I’m still healthy and have my friends. Oh, and maybe get paid for these fucking interviews…[laughs]

 For more details of Dave Lynn and his upcoming gigs and appearances, like him on Facebook @DaveLynnBrighton

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