The Many Friends of Danny La Rue

The British press is now two days into what can only be described as light-hearted mourning, marking the passing of the nation's longest-running Sweetheart in Sequins. He's seen here with the previous record holder.

Is it just me, or does it seem possible that cocktails might have been being served in the Royal Box? I've never seen that tiara pushed quite that far back before.

Here, one stately work of art contemplates another; both look like they could use one of those dubonnet-and-gins that may have contributed to the royal disarray above.

No actual royalty here, but Mr. La Rue's just come from seeing her. At those investitures, there's usually a string orchestra playing light favorites. One would love to know what accompanied Danny's moment with Her Majesty - "I Enjoy Being a Girl"? "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads"?

Once again, no literal royalty, but I think this pair makes up for not having a picture with the actual Queen. Sadly, now, both have gone to the Grace Bros. branch above...

And only one queen here, but I can't resist dear Mr. Stewart's expression. Is he horrified, intrigued, just a little turned on - or a delicious blend of all three?

Good Night, Sweet Prince(ss)

Ah, there's a new (and very glittery) star in heaven tonight, darlings, for Danny La Rue, that Slightly Different Diva, has gone and left us.

In the mixed-up pomo-homo world we live in, there's something slightly quaint, and very charming, about La Rue's long reign as the UK's favorite "comic in a frock," but we ought not let his old-school impersonations of the Great Ladies (including the fictional Dolly Levi) cause us to underestimate him. Anyone Noël Coward could describe as "The most professional, the most witty... and the most utterly charming man in the business" shouldn't be taken lightly.

When it comes to drag, La Rue was the Mother of the Them All for half-a-century or so; I like to think he's taking a little cocktail even as we speak with Julian Eltinge and Charles Pierce. You just know those peignoirs are fierce.