Lily Savage, the drag persona of Paul O'Grady, hung up her wigs and packed up her makeup in 2005. Lily Savage was full of incredible talent going all the way back to 1978 when Paul first started drag. As Lily, Paul would do stand-up comedy and even go onto perform in pantomimes. After many years of touring, Lily finally made TV appearances on shows such as Blankety Blank (1997-2002).
Though this generation may not have known Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage, they will recognise the iconic voice and persona of Dame Edna Everage. Dame Edna is the drag persona of Barry Humphries, who is most famous for appearing in her aluminous purple wig and big glittery glasses. As Barry, he may be known for voicing Bruce, the iconic great white shark in Finding Nemo, and more recently the Goblin King, in The Hobbit.
Together the two Drag Queens created what we know as drag with their iconic comedy appearances; however, drag is moving on in the world and there are some amazing stars in the limelight.
The drag stars that instantly come to mind when thinking of the more recent years are the winners of Ru Paul's Drag Race, particularly the UK series, with The Vivienne - who most recently starred in Dancing On Ice - and Danny Beard - the most recent UK Drag Race winner. Like Savage and Everage, these drag icons do stand-up comedy. They do not solely rely upon this though as they also have multiple talents, such as singing and dancing.
We can look even closer to home too, as Newcastle is home to some sensational Drag Queens, especially at Bobby's. Bobby's is a gay bar in Newcastle that supports local up-and-coming drag acts, as well as hosting some spectacular events from the more well-known acts.
Bobby's is very welcoming to everyone and, personally, I love spending my time there to watch the local Drag Queens. Like The Vivienne and Danny Beard (who often frequents Bobby's), these Drag Queens do stand-up comedy, sing, dance and... lip sync!
With each performance, I cannot take my eyes off Gloria Love, Kylie Gender, Gladys Duffy, and many, many more! Their acts draw me in every time and I feel as though I have found - to be cheesy - home. I feel as though I am accepted for who I am, I'm accepted for my sexuality, my pronouns... just me.
Even if you don't partake in drag, like myself, it brings everyone together.
There is so much talent brewing in Newcastle and I beg that you go and explore! There is so much talent to find, I'm enjoying my own drag journey as I talk to these wonderful people.