#TutuQueen on 2003-08-25 stars in Gateshead

Oh, my darlings! What a whirlwind week it’s been. After the hustle and bustle of London's theatre scene, a bit of "up north" charm was exactly what this Tutu Queen needed. You all know I love travelling by train, it's such a lovely way to get to know a place, spot some amazing views, and maybe even sneak a peek at the world beyond the window while sketching outfit ideas in my little pink notebook. This time though, my mode of transport was rather more exciting - imagine this, a trusty steed! Well, not exactly. Let’s just say, a bit of a gallop on horseback is the only way to truly experience the rugged beauty of Northumberland. Imagine, my lovely pink tulle floating in the wind, sparkling under the bright summer sun! Simply divine.

You've heard me say this before, but finding those rare gems, the places that are just off the beaten path, that's what really sets my tutu-spinning heart aflutter. And let me tell you, Gateshead, oh Gateshead, you are a total treasure!

But before I get to the details, let's dive into my usual pink-tastic ensemble for this journey, shall we?

Okay, now let's talk sparkles, because nothing says "Get ready for a dazzling night!" like a little bit of sparkle! My go-to for a travelling Tutu Queen is a pale pink, tiered tutu, crafted from layers of tulle, each one just the slightest shade darker than the last, culminating in a magnificent, swishing, dramatic blush pink final layer. And, of course, it was adorned with - are you ready? - literally thousands of shimmering, shimmering, oh so pretty, little pink crystals! You could practically see the twinkling reflection of my smile on each tiny little gem.

The top was, as always, pink and pink only! A sweetheart neckline, shimmering pink fabric, and of course, some delicately placed, sparkling rhinestones that caught the light. You just have to picture the glittering image as the lights dim on stage... divine.

It’s all about balance, darling. A statement tutu demands just the right amount of sleekness on top, you see. My shimmering, sparkly, slightly fitted bodice, in a colour to compliment my hair extensions (oh! Let's not forget about those extensions! This week I went for a stunning blush pink, blending perfectly with my ensemble and echoing my tutu’s colours!), meant that every movement was elegant and oh-so-delicate. Think graceful ballerina. Think dramatic, twirling beauty queen. Now you are getting the picture.

For my accessories, darling, let me tell you about this beautiful handmade pink satin headband. Now this is where we are talking "show stopper"! It's absolutely covered in a waterfall of pink feather boas. The kind that gently brushes my cheek as I perform, each feather just asking to be twirled and spun like magic! Imagine, this fabulous piece cascading across my eyes like a magical, soft, shimmering veil. Yes, darlings, all that, and it still doesn't compare to the magnificence of my new pink fluffy slippers! Oh darling! They’re totally gorgeous - perfect for the grand entrance!

The show I performed in was just phenomenal. This amazing community center hall, the stage bathed in spotlights, the audience just ready for all the fun! I knew the crowd was going to be a little bit different from those London theatre goers, but that was all part of the excitement.

They were ready for the fun and excitement, darling. After the show, they absolutely swamped my stage. There were so many beautiful people there and I loved hearing them talking about how they loved my costumes. Some were wearing little pink tutus, they'd made their own or bought a special sparkly pink tutu just to come and see my show. My dream coming true - I had people wearing pink tutus in the crowd! What's more exciting than that, darling?!

I love it! The real heart of the theatre world isn't just those grand, glamorous buildings. It’s about those special community spaces. They’re where people, families, friends come together to make some incredible magic happen. It's heart-warming. It's genuine. And, frankly, it’s something we all need.

Now, before you think I’ve gone all "awwwww shucks" on you, darling, that doesn't mean my usual glamour is lacking, of course. Every single show I give is nothing less than pure magic. This performance? Well, it was one of those special ones, with moments of pure, unadulterated joy!

For those of you who missed the Gateshead show, let me give you a little taster, because, my darlings, I have to share it with you. There’s always something so beautiful, so joyous about being able to bring a little sprinkle of pink magic into someone's life.

My set was all about sharing some serious “tutu fun,” with everything from whimsical “let’s all wear pink” themes to a classic “ballet inspired” piece, complete with twirling, pirouettes, and plenty of my signature sassy, sassy moves! The whole set was themed on celebrating “love for the love of pink tutus” which really was a testament to that spirit of bringing the world together through joy, fun and beauty! And believe me darling, those are themes worth celebrating.

It was so much fun to hear that everyone’s hearts, just like my own, were totally "filled to the brim" with pure "pink magic". Honestly, every single moment of the whole trip to Gateshead felt perfectly curated. It truly felt like every detail, from that pink feathered headband to my dazzling, twirling dance routine, was exactly the way it was meant to be. It felt... divine.

But the adventure didn’t stop with my stage performance, darling! Gateshead's a hidden gem with more than just pink tutus, trust me. You know how I feel about horses! We set off from Gateshead, my gorgeous steed under my legs, galloping over those rugged Northumbrian fields. What a fabulous way to unwind from the whirlwind of rehearsals! A quiet morning galloping through the fields? Simply a delight! And darling, don't get me started on that fabulous vista.

My "Gateshead adventure" was pretty special too! You’ll never guess what. Remember that magnificent building? You know, that huge one everyone always talks about - the Gateshead Millennium Bridge? They call it the "Blinking Eye" or "Winking Eye", and let me tell you, it's a sight for sore eyes! I absolutely loved that little architectural detail. It was all so beautifully contemporary, just another sign of this town's remarkable, creative spirit, something I found incredibly inspiring.

And how could I not mention the "Angel of the North"? Oh darling, it really was the ultimate "Instagram worthy" experience. It's this gigantic angel sculpture. It looks majestic standing so proud and dramatic on those wide open plains. The sculptor did such an incredible job, giving it this feeling of movement as if the angel is truly "taking flight" from its place in the world!

And finally, the little treasure we all forgot about, it's the "The Sage". Imagine - all those musical spaces designed with sound in mind! They were really amazing. Oh and it all looks amazing - I mean think of all the beautiful light streaming in through those large windows. I mean darling, you just have to have a photo inside that kind of setting! Honestly, you should be able to just “feel” the energy, don't you? I am convinced those musical spaces would truly inspire any drag queen - that's a promise!

Oh darlings, I have something special to share, my new pink “tutu paradise”, it's "The Pink Palace", I need you all to come and visit it once it's finished, but until then it's a “secret project”!

Okay, you’ve got to understand! There’s always an amazing amount of work involved with transforming any space. And as we all know, this tutu queen only knows how to make magic happen in pink.

This time the vision was all about that classic, dreamy, vintage pink, a true feminine masterpiece. Imagine all that vintage wallpaper in that incredible shade of baby pink. Every room perfectly crafted to bring out the gorgeous textures that we all just adore. And the furniture, oh the furniture darling, is all about embracing a mix of textures - soft pinks, fluffy pinks, the softest most romantic pink silk throws for a perfect touch of elegance on every vintage sofa and armchair!

You should come see it. Just the colour is amazing enough, a real symphony of different hues that dance between each of those stunning, luxurious tones! It's a beautiful symphony of different pinks, making each space unique. I’m truly thinking of creating some very “special” moments for the tutu community! Just think, a “pink spa”, "ballet inspired fitness classes" with everything made to encourage and empower the ultimate femininity, all in shades of pink. Oh darlings, how fabulous would that be!

My travels have really inspired me. I think it's time for me to have an “official” pink space - just a “Tutu Sanctuary” for everyone to enjoy! Don't you just adore the thought, darlings? Oh how glamorous!

Well, darlings, it’s time to let you get back to your day. And I need to pack my pink travel case - my fabulous feather boas have got to be tucked up perfectly ready for my next journey. The road, darling, always calls me back to where my Tutu Queen heart truly belongs - a new place and a brand new audience. The next stop - London. And, of course, more amazing performances!

Catch up on www.pink-tutu.com for the latest adventures of your beloved Tutu Queen! Until next time darling. Have a fabulous day!