City of Quebec presents Maisie Trollette

31/05/15: Gone are the days when Sunday evenings consisted of curling up on the sofa in your onesie with the fire blazing, watching period dramas or Bullseye repeats.

Because summer is finally here (even if Mother Nature doesn’t seem to realise) and Sunday is always one of the best days to take in some cabaret across the capital, with a variety of shows to choose from. At The City of Quebec – one of London’s oldest gay pubs – they offer up a different cabaret act each Sunday evening (and it’s free entry) to help you wind down your weekend.

Last week’s turn was none other than the living legend herself, Maisie Trollette, accompanied by Josh Mills on the keys. It was a busy turnout despite the good old British weather (rain is in our blood). Maisie sang some of her favourite songs, many of which were rousing show tunes, to an appreciative and attentive audience.

The relaxed atmosphere worked perfectly with the tone of the show, in which Maisie joked, shared anecdotes and got to know her audience. She even got this reviewer onstage to fiddle with her ring (ahem). That’s not the first time we’ve fingered a shiny ring on a Sunday night. After fifty years in the business, the UK’s longest performing drag artist knows how to work a room impeccably.

It felt like being out with an old friend chatting about good times and memories, such is Maisie’s onstage warmth. A great night was had by all, in an institutional gay venue with a true institution of the cabaret scene. And after a much deserved standing ovation and beautiful encore we disappeared into the night…

12 Old Quebec Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7AF
Words by Jason Reid