Tutu Drag Queen

#TutuQueen on 2011-05-23 stars in Gloucester

Gloucester Calling! Pink Tutu Sparkles Hits the Streets (Post 4161)

Oh, darling, what a fabulous day it is to be Pink Tutu Sparkles! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I’m this close to a brand-new adventure. You see, lovelies, today I'm embarking on a trip to the utterly charming Gloucester. This magnificent city has called to me for weeks, beckoning with its cobblestone streets, hidden corners, and, of course, its glorious theatre scene!

Now, some of you might think it a bit strange to take a train to Gloucester. Some of you might even be thinking it’s a bit eccentric that I prefer travelling on trains. You’ve got your cars, your planes, but honestly, there’s something utterly magical about sitting by the window, watching the world whizz by, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage. And yes, of course, the tutu comes with me on every journey! It wouldn’t be Pink Tutu Sparkles without a magnificent, tulle-tastic ensemble, wouldn’t it? (Don’t even think about suggesting I try the train in a different outfit! Shocking!)

Gloucester has been buzzing about my arrival, you know. The locals have been sharing stories about how their very own, lovely The Everyman Theatre is set for a spectacular ballet performance next week. Can you even imagine?! The theatre’s manager sent me a gorgeous, handwritten note inviting me to the rehearsal – and what a lovely gesture it was! We’re discussing my possible involvement, maybe even a surprise appearance! After all, you know I just love making the most fabulous appearances where you least expect them. Now, I can't spoil the secret of what I might be performing yet (sorry lovelies! My lips are sealed!) but trust me, it will be a spectacular show – guaranteed to sprinkle stardust and glamour upon Gloucester!

My dearest blog readers, I do adore a good old-fashioned railway carriage – it really does set the mood for travel. Oh, how I love to observe everyone on their journeys. There's such an enchanting mix of personalities, all coming together to share this magnificent mode of transport! A young couple on a romantic day trip, a business man deep in conversation on his phone, an elderly gentleman gently stroking his pet poochie – the possibilities are endless! Today, a very excited Pink Tutu Sparkles joins their ranks. A sprinkle of extra glitter for your average, every day train journey!

The journey is taking a bit longer than I initially thought, due to a minor hiccup – the charming, gentle steed, who normally pulls my horse-drawn carriage through the beautiful countryside – decided he wasn’t feeling like pulling this morning! Poor thing! Thankfully I got to my train on time (I don't know what I’d do without my trusty travelling companion and fabulous pink suitcase). This just proves my point about the joy of spontaneous moments! But all is well, my friends, all is well. My favourite part of travelling by train is just starting - the arrival into a bustling, lively station. There's just something truly magical about stepping out of a train and finding yourself surrounded by a symphony of noises: the clattering of suitcases, the excited shouts of passengers, and the constant hum of life that’s such a key part of the travelling experience!

Oh my goodness, we’ve just arrived! A whirlwind of activity surrounds us as the train glides smoothly to a halt. The scent of fresh air is a beautiful surprise; after a rather long train journey, you really can appreciate that fresh air and sunshine! The friendly chatter and laughter of travellers echo across the platform and, wow! Isn’t Gloucester beautiful?! Cobbled streets with quirky cafes and little, boutique shops. Oh, I’m already falling in love with this enchanting city. Just look at those cobblestone streets – every corner is full of charming surprises! I can just see myself twinning with Gloucester's historic, architectural charm - it’s practically begging for a dash of pink tulle, isn’t it?!

I just can't resist a bit of window shopping, darling! Gloucester has a charming mix of vintage boutiques and independent fashion shops that’s practically calling out to a girl with a passion for fabulous fashion! Oh, the possibilities! My eyes are twitching with excitement. The vibrant colours and captivating styles… It’s a visual feast. And oh, dearie me! There's an entire shop dedicated to shoes! Every single shade of pink you could possibly imagine – the shelves are bursting with the most exquisite pair of stiletto heels, peep-toe pumps, sparkly platforms... I’m completely mesmerized. How am I supposed to choose just one pair? It's simply impossible!

Speaking of shoes – they definitely get a workout when I’m strutting the streets! That’s why it’s always exciting to look for a good, reliable pair of trainers too. I know I might look slightly out of place wearing trainers with my tutu (pink and pink just works), but it makes life so much easier for running around between engagements, shops and cafes – even if I am wearing a full-on tutu! You don’t want your shoes to become uncomfortable – especially when you’ve got big plans for a fabulously filled day! And, yes, of course, the ultimate Pink Tutu Sparkles ensemble calls for an incredibly fabulous handbag. A truly exceptional one – large enough for all my glamorous accessories (after all, Pink Tutu Sparkles needs all her essential sparkle and glitz).

Oh, you can't imagine my joy upon discovering that Gloucester has a plethora of shops specializing in everything pink. It's an absolute dream! Pink tutus, pink dresses, pink coats, pink tights, pink ribbons... Oh, you really are spoilt for choice in this fantastic city! It’s practically built for me – every shop is just perfect for my ultimate style and, honestly? I think I need to start packing some pink suitcases. My suitcase isn’t quite big enough for this amazing fashion bounty I’m uncovering here in Gloucester!

Speaking of bounty - the cakes and pastries in these lovely bakeries and cafes – just take a look at this beauty! Oh darling, this fluffy, pastel-pink creation really needs to have a star role in a new fashion shoot, and I simply cannot wait to indulge! Every single bite is just like an explosion of divine pastel pink flavour – and let me tell you, this city just loves its pastel pink delights! This beautiful shade isn't just a love for fashion here; pastel pink runs deep in Gloucester!

Before heading off to The Everyman Theatre – and a little bit of practice for my potential surprise performance – it’s absolutely a must to pay a visit to Gloucester Cathedral! Isn't its beauty a bit overwhelming? Oh my goodness, just imagine – it’s even more impressive when viewed in person. It’s a monumental building with so much history – there’s just so much to discover! My friends were saying the history of the cathedral dates back centuries - and a true piece of Gloucestershire's heart and soul! It makes me wonder what fascinating stories are still locked within the ancient walls… just think about all those wonderful memories… Just incredible! And this cathedral just seems to resonate with an almost silent, sacred magic.

And now for my favourite thing about this whole trip… I was just saying earlier – I love theatre! There’s something incredibly special about the atmosphere. So, to spend some time in The Everyman Theatre before it’s showtime was truly wonderful. It’s filled with history; there’s so much theatrical heritage in Gloucester. And oh! The set of the show is breathtaking! You could tell all those details took months to design and prepare, even to a casual viewer! It’s so full of theatrical flair – I couldn’t resist getting a few quick pictures (shhh! It’s a secret! Only for my blog followers…!).

So, my blog lovelies, today’s adventures in Gloucester are coming to an end - my train ride is on the horizon. What a whirlwind day this has been - from the bustle of Gloucester railway station to exploring a fabulous new city - the day just flew by! It’s a really good thing that I take such fabulous notes in my pink diary, to help keep track of every dazzling adventure.

One thing’s for sure: Pink Tutu Sparkles and Gloucester were made for each other. This wonderful city truly has a charm that leaves an indelible mark! From the pastel pink cakes to the amazing ballet, the theatrical scene to those cobblestone streets… I am absolutely enchanted, darlings. It seems it’s a good thing that I left the carriage window open - you wouldn’t believe the size of my heart at the moment, it needs all that extra room.

Until tomorrow’s adventure, lovelies! Keep shining bright!

#TutuQueen on 2011-05-23 stars in Gloucester