Remembering Maisie Trollette: Britains Oldest Drag Queen and a LGBTQ+ Icon

The world of drag has lost a legend. Maisie Trollette, Britain’s oldest performing drag queen, has passed away at the age of 91. A true icon of the LGBTQ+ community, Maisie brought joy, laughter, and an unapologetic sense of self to audiences for more than six decades.

From dazzling cabaret performances in Londons most legendary drag venues to becoming a Brighton institution, Maisies influence stretched far beyond the stage.

Maisie Trollette was the stage name of David Raven, born on August 16, 1933, in St Ives, Cornwall. Drag wasnt just a performance for Davidit was a lifelong passion and a source of community and self-expression.

He began performing in the 1960s, a time when being openly gay in the UK was still illegal and the drag scene operated in the shadows of underground clubs. But Maisie was fearless, embracing her camp and comedic style at a time when drag queens faced intense scrutiny.

Maisie first gained fame as part of The Trollettes, a drag duo alongside James Court. They were one of the few acts that performed live rather than lip-syncing, earning them a reputation for their powerful voices and comedic timing. Their performances were a blend of glamour, humor, and charmcementing their place in the history of British drag.

Maisie became a staple of Londons thriving drag scene in the 1970s and 1980s, performing in legendary venues such as:

The Black Cap One of Londons most famous LGBTQ+ venues, where Maisie was a regular headliner.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) A historical institution of drag and queer nightlife, where Maisie performed alongside some of Britains biggest drag stars.
Madame Jojos A glamorous cabaret club where Maisies larger-than-life persona shone.

During these years, Maisie was part of a golden age of British drag, sharing the stage with fellow legends like Dockyard Doris, Regina Fong, and Lily Savage (Paul OGrady). Her performances were marked by a sharp wit, live vocals, and a refusal to take herself too seriouslyqualities that endeared her to generations of audiences.

In the late 1970s, Maisie made the move to Brighton, where she became an icon of the local LGBTQ+ scene. She was a regular performer in Brightons gay bars, where she mentored and inspired younger drag artists, showing them the importance of resilience and authenticity.

One of Maisies proudest achievements was her long-time involvement in Brighton Pride. She was a fixture at the event since its earliest days, bringing joy and camp humor to thousands of people celebrating LGBTQ+ pride.

Even in her later years, Maisie continued to perform well into her 90s, proving that drag has no age limit.

Maisies incredible journey was documented in the 2022 film “Maisie”, a heartfelt documentary that followed her life as Britains oldest performing drag queen. The film beautifully captured:

Her love for performing and the stage presence that made her a legend.
Her place in LGBTQ+ history, showing how she paved the way for modern drag queens.
Her vulnerability and struggles, including aging in an industry that often celebrates youth.

The documentary also featured a moving moment where Maisie met fellow drag legend Darcelle XV, Americas oldest performing drag queen, in an emotional scene that brought together two pioneers from opposite sides of the Atlantic.

“Maisie” was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of drag to bring people together.

Maisies passing marks the end of an era, but her influence on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ culture lives on.

She paved the way for modern British drag. Before RuPauls Drag Race and mainstream drag culture, Maisie was breaking barriers and making space for queer artists.
She inspired generations of performers. Her fearlessness, humor, and showmanship continue to influence todays drag artists.
She was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. At a time when queer identities were marginalized, she stood proudly as an entertainer and community leader.

Maisie Trollette showed that drag is for everyone, at any age, and that being yourself unapologetically is the greatest performance of all.