Wotcher Mates! Danny La Rue

Hard to believe but Danny La Rue passed away four years ago on this day, May 31st 2009. The world of show business and Pantoland lost a very glamorous and vibrant star. From Queen Passionella and The Very Merry Widow Twankey through to Mother Goose, Baroness Voluptua and finally Fairy Godmother Dan brought magic to the stages of theatres in his revues, Music Halls and especially to Pantomime.

  

It was fitting that the auction of his fabulous costumes took place at London’s Brick Lane Music Hall in Silvertown. Dan was a staunch supporter of Music Hall, and frequently appeared at Brick Lane for Vincent Hayes over the years, accompanied as always by Annie Galbraith. Dan’s costumes were auctioned so that they wouldn’t simply stay in wardrobe boxes and trunks, but be seen larger than life and worn to remind people of the glamour that was Danny La Rue.

 

The gorgeous gold costume above, created for his Australian tour will be seen this year at Southampton- it was purchased by Andrew Ryan, and the stunning Beaded creation by Terry Parsons from Mother Goose will be part of my wardrobe in panto this year- complete with the “trick” bustle!

Some of Dan’s costumes are held by the Victoria & Albert Theatre Museum, and others are being worn in shows- Brick Lane Music Hall has a collection- the glamour lives on. Four years today and the light is still shining bright.All our thoughts with Dan’s family, friends  and especially  to Annie today-Bless you Dan. We miss you!

Take a look at our articles section. Look up “SPOTLIGHT ON DANNY LA RUE”. There’s a wealth of information, pictures and links there about Danny’s life and career. Youtube has many fine extracts of Music Hall to view, and here on IBY our media section has a recording of Danny La Rue live at his club in London’s West End from the 1960’s. Enjoy!