off the scene
from November 2006

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) held the second Drag Idol competition at The Birdcage nightclub in Leeds on September 25th, to raise money for the charity’s services for people living with and affected by HIV in Leeds.

Last year’s winner, Plenty O’Toole, hosted the evening with the help of Blanche, resident DJ at The Birdcage, the glorious Miss Precious and the Birdcage Cabaret Crew. And of course Shout! was there to capture the action!!

The first prize for the Drag Idol competition was an opportunity to perform at the new Birdcage in Manchester with the possibility of future shows if the first appearance is successful. The artistes certainly were varied, from a singing nun to a rather camp cowboy, with a 400-strong audience.

Matthew Bose (pictured), who plays Emmerdale’s gay character Paul Lambert and is a supporter of THT, helped judge the event. Speaking exclusively to Shout!, Bose said that living and working in Leeds he realised how important local sexual health services were in supporting those living with and affected by HIV. Given his role in Emmerdale is no stranger to the wigs and heels, Bose said he was delighted he was to have been asked to attend and support the event and provided added value by treating the crowd to a pole dance.

The winner was Miss Kinky performing Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services to over 50,000 people a year. The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual health.

Sharon Elliott, the event organiser at THT in Leeds told Shout! that the night had been a huge success: ‘This has been a fabulous evening and a fun night out. We have raised £3,500; I would like to thank Rob, Roger and Park (and Jodee and Tim). Also Marcus Doyle of The Birdcage. Not forgetting the judges, Anna Glypta, Tony Lowndes from Simply Pleasure, Danny, who is a performer in Birdcage and of course Matthew Bose from Emmerdale.’

Words and pics: Paul Hunt