Hello darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, back with another sparkly post for you!
Itās been a whirlwind week, let me tell you. From the vibrant streets of Manchester to the charming countryside of Derbyshire, my pink tutu has been quite the globetrotter. But, today, weāre in Sutton in Ashfield, a town that's full of character and surprises!
This weekās adventure began on the platform of Manchester Piccadilly station. Yes, I took the train, of course. Nothing beats the romantic charm of travelling by rail. Plus, you can wear your fanciest outfit on a train and no one bats an eyelid. Especially when you're a drag queen!
My dear friend, Violet Velvet, came to wave me off. She was wearing a stunning midnight blue dress with a scarlet feather boa. As she gave me a kiss goodbye, she told me, "Don't forget, your real life, Pink Tutu! " It's a running joke. We're both big city drag queens who dream of taking our acts to the big time. But we also balance our glam lives with science jobs. Me, I'm a fabric tester, testing out new textures and finishes for the fashion industry. So there I was, looking resplendent in my bubblegum pink tutu and matching glittery pumps, with a lab coat hanging from my shoulder and a beaker in my bag. I often tell Violet, "Lifeās not a dress rehearsal, dear." We both do the best with the double lives we've built.
This time, I had to get my tutu to Sutton in Ashfield. Why, you ask? A theatre called The New Vic had just announced a special showcase of talented young performers. I felt a little guilty, to be honest, at the prospect of competing with dancers in their early twenties, but it was all in the name of promotion, darlings! My manager insisted I take on this local challenge - āGet the public used to you and they'll come and see you anywhere!ā, he tells me. So, Iād be spending a few days showing off my sassy dance moves in this new, exciting place. I knew this would be an opportunity to get everyoneās pink tutu on, so to speak.
When the train chugged into Sutton in Ashfield, it felt like stepping into another world. The station itself, although old and charming, had a unique, almost melancholic beauty, a feeling I can only compare to a poignant ballerina performing her final solo. A beautiful melancholy! It felt like the stage was ready for something magical, just waiting for my arrival. I knew my heart, my tutu, and my dancing skills were more than up for the job!
After finding a friendly cab, I arrived at my Airbnb, which looked just like an English cottage. And what do you know - the place was just across the street from the theater! As soon as I settled in and freshened up, I slipped into my new sparkly, emerald green blouse that my manager, Nigel, insisted I buy to "add an air of mystery to the stage persona." Itās part of my newest āGreen Glitter Mermaidā character concept. He did ask if Iād add a fishnet, but I firmly told him to stick to makeup and costume. He also recommended a local vintage shop, āSew & Soā, so that's where I headed next. They had a fab selection of vintage dresses, blouses, jackets, skirts, even hats and shoes! And there it was - a vintage green shawl that looked exactly like a mermaid's tail! It was perfect.
Now, to break in my new act in Sutton in Ashfield. I found myself captivated by the townās warmth and charm. Thereās just a special kind of community spirit here. I felt very welcomed and almost wished Iād chosen this spot for a longer visit! It felt like it had a more traditional feel compared to Manchester. Less skyscrapers, more green spaces and pretty buildings. It reminded me of a simpler time. My kind of time! Itās almost enough to make a drag queen forget she needs to shine in the cityās bright lights to survive.
I even discovered a charming vintage shop tucked away on a cobbled street. Itās called Sew & So, and I absolutely fell in love with the selection of glamorous vintage wear! I ended up buying a stunning pair of white, sequinned gloves for my next stage costume - even the ladies working there, bless them, started singing along to my āTutu Timeā show tune on the spot. And there I was - in a tiny little town, feeling more like myself than anywhere else.
When I finally arrived at the New Vic Theater, my sparkly shoes were already starting to hurt. My heels seemed to whisper to me with each step. They reminded me that this was my moment - to be bold, fearless and fabulous.
To tell you the truth, those local performers were incredibly talented. But when it came to my set, āThe Tutus and The Toesā, there wasnāt a dry eye in the house. Well, no dry eye but my own - I never wear makeup during rehearsals and never on the actual day either - too time-consuming. They're mostly in awe when they see my real face - I do my whole transformation once I reach the stage door, darlings.
Then, I saw him. He looked like the quintessential stage door Romeo. He had that handsome, almost wistful, slightly aloof quality I love in a man - he wasnāt interested in being anything but himself, yet somehow still looked super glamorous and charming. You see, there's a special connection I have with boys, like a magical understanding - especially if they have those big brown, inquisitive eyes. We were standing, staring into each other's eyes for a minute, at least. Well, he was standing staring, I was making sure I kept my eye makeup as pristine as possible! As it turned out, it was one of the other performers. I felt a warmth I'd only ever felt from the audience after my show. The feeling of someone really seeing me and admiring who I am, what I represent, what I am. It made the long trip worthwhile, for the first time ever. I can't help it, darlings - when I find love, I really do want to sing it from the rooftops.
My next gig takes me to an international horse race - Iāll be performing in the VIP tent. Itās a big one, but my show must go on, right? Stay tuned for my post tomorrow on "Pink Tutu Goes Galloping" (and you'd better believe there'll be pictures of the fancy hat Nigel found for me to wear)! Until then, keep your tutus bright and your dreams sparkling, my lovelies.
Remember to follow my daily adventures at www.pink-tutu.com And always wear your tutus with pride! You know itās all about "Tutu Timeā!
Ciao for now!
Pink Tutu Sparkles xxx
