Maisie Trollette, Britain’s oldest drag queen and one of the oldest in the world has died at the age of 91 it has been announced in an emotional statement
Britain’s oldest drag queen has died aged 91.
Maisie Trollette whose real name is David Raven was one of the main highlights of Brighton Pride’s parade since it launched in the 1970s. Local media reports that David died early hours on Wednesday. No cause of death has yet been published. Raven, born in Cornwall, initially trained as a grocer before becoming a publican and then a waiter at a Great Yarmouth Holiday Camp.
Aged 26, when it was illegal to be gay, David came out and moved to London, where he experimented in drag at The Black Cap in Camden Town. Speaking in 2022, he said: "All my life I was frightened to come out. You were very, very in the closet and of course it was illegal. Gay wasn’t around."
His alter ego, Maisie, was one half of the comedy drag duo, Trollettes, alongside Jimmy Court. Two Brewers, where Maisie often performed shared a tearjerking tribute to the late icon. It read: "We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Maisie Trollette.
"David Raven, known by his stage name Maisie Trollette, was a pioneering figure in British drag performance. Born in 1933, he began his fabulous career in the 1960s, forming the duo The Trollettes with James Court. They captivated audiences at renowned venues such as The Black Cap and the RVT.
"Maisie Trollette’s performances were a staple at Two Brewers, where she entertained countless patrons over the years to a packed house. David was deeply committed to philanthropy, raising thousands of pounds for charities nationwide. His enduring legacy and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community were celebrated in the 2022 documentary ’Maisie’.
"David passed away this morning at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft. He will be deeply missed." Tributes have since poured in from fans and celebrities, with Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi sharing a pink heart emoji.
Maisie was a staple piece at Brighton Pride each year
"What a legend, and a life lived, sending lots of love," commented one fan. A second added: "God bless David Many happy memories with him at the brewers." "Oh how sad. I met Maisie back in 2006 on Gran Canaria - what a legend! Sweet dreams David," typed a third.
Meanwhile, on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan tweeted: "Farewell to Britain’s oldest working drag queen, David Raven, aka Maisie Trollette. Gone at 91. Saw him with Jimmy back in the 80s, both seemed to have been around forever even then." "A legend and a trailblazer. Rest in peace Maisie Trollette," said another.
David’s life was celebrated in 2023 on his 90th birthday, with a special event titled David at 90, being held at the Brighton Dome. The production looked back on music from all of David’s life over the years. At the time, he had chosen for all the money raised to be donated to the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which shares funds across Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ and HIV organisations.
Over the course of his life, David raised thousands for Aids charities, in tribute to his partner, Don Coull, who inspired him to glam up his drag routine.
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