At the age of 91, the oldest drag queen in Britain to perform died.
Drag performer David Raven, better known by his stage name Maisie Trolette, has been a mainstay of Brighton Pride from the event’s inception in 1973. Raven has over fifty years of drag performance experience.
According to the Argus, he was widely considered a legend in the LGBT+ community and was admired for his incisive humor, powerful singing voice, and fiery demeanor.
David was born in 1933 and started his career with Jimmy Court as a member of the drag combo The Trollettes.
Raven frequently performed at places like The Black Cap and the RVT and was regarded as a pioneer in the drag scene.
He performed with numerous A-list celebrities, whom he was proud to call close friends, and was a mainstay on the pantomine circuit.
Music from all nine decades of David’s life was featured during a special birthday gala event held at the Brighton Dome in 2023 to commemorate his 90th birthday.
“The term “legend” can be used carelessly at times, losing its connection to the remarkable and extraordinary,” drag queen Scott Burey, who occasionally performed alongside David, told Metro.
However, David and Maisie were both exceptional and noteworthy. He embodied what it meant to be a true drag artist, not a queen.
He was a good-hearted, giving, and very hilarious man, both on and off stage. He also had a very mischievous side to him that didn’t change or fade over the years.
“I am incredibly honored to have had him as a friend, and I will sincerely miss him.”
In a heartfelt homage to the late legend, The Two Brewers, where David frequently performed, wrote: “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Maisie Trollette.”
One of the pioneers of British drag performance was David Raven, better known by his stage name Maisie Trollette.
He was born in 1933 and started his amazing career in the 1960s when he and James Court formed the band The Trollettes.
They enthralled crowds in iconic locations like the RVT and the Black Cap.
Over the years, Maisie Trollette entertained numerous customers in a crowded house at Two Brewers, where her performances were a mainstay.
David raised thousands of pounds for organizations across the country because he had a strong commitment to philanthropy.
The 2022 documentary “Maisie” honored his lasting legacy and services to the LGBTQ+ community.
At the age of 91, David died away this morning, leaving a legacy of happiness, tenacity, and unflinching devotion to his art.
“We will miss him terribly.”
Phillip Arran, also known as CC Swan, is another drag queen. He told Metro that he arrived to London in 1991 with the intention of working in West End theater productions.
I traveled from Swansea to perform as a guest vocalist in drag queen concerts, which were then well-known.
