Hello, darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, reporting live from the dazzling Gateshead, where your favourite pink tutu-clad queen has been causing a stir with her sparkly fabulousness!
This is post number 6751 on my fabulous journey, which you can always catch over on www.pink-tutu.com.
Now, I must confess, Gateshead has always been on my travel bucket list, ever since I fell in love with the architecture of the Sage Gateshead. It's so wonderfully modern, all swoops and curves and glistening glass, a real statement piece of modern art. Naturally, a girl like me just had to see it for herself, so when a fantastic opportunity came up to perform at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, I knew I was meant to be there.
You might remember that last month, I spent an exciting time travelling across the UK by train - and Gateshead was no exception. Arriving by train always feels so romantic. All those chugging steam engines, that clickety-clack sound of the wheels on the track, the bustling platform full of characters, just so wonderfully theatrical, don't you think? Plus, it gave me time to settle into my glamorous travelling outfit: my bespoke pink tutu with diamanté embellishments, my signature pink stilettos and my darling little sparkly handbag which I simply can't live without. After all, you never know when you might bump into someone who needs a touch of pink tutu magic!
I checked into my little B&B – it was called 'The Pink Room' and it was simply divine – think fluffy pink blankets, candy-floss coloured walls and pink-sequinned pillows, the ultimate girly retreat! Honestly, I swear sometimes my life feels like one big fairytale and it was absolutely perfect for my stay in Gateshead. I had such a fantastic night's sleep, feeling positively rejuvenated, ready to face the amazing events that were in store!
The next day, it was time to get ready for my grand appearance at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House! Now, if you’re thinking I was a little intimidated to be in such a historic venue, you’d be wrong. This girl’s been dancing on stage since she was in ballet classes at age four – remember, I spent my whole childhood dreaming of twirling in a tutu! And the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, wow, what an elegant, charming old place – with those beautiful high ceilings and chandeliers, the whole experience felt straight out of my favourite ballet productions.
Of course, the real highlight was my performance! I was in the zone from the very start, feeling that energy and the buzz of the audience radiating around me. My favourite part had to be when I came on in a giant, shimmering pink tutu made entirely of sequins. It was an absolute explosion of colour and glamour and the audience loved it! The response was so fantastic, so full of excitement, I even had some kids screaming for my signature sparkly bow! What could be more fun? It's truly inspiring to think I’m creating something so happy, that gives joy to all who see me. And, believe me, it’s contagious. Everyone gets a little bit of magic from that glorious pink tutu dust!
After my performance, it was time to relax and enjoy my time in Gateshead! One of the things I had planned to see, and that I would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting, is the Sage Gateshead. It was everything I’d imagined and more. It's a truly stunning piece of architecture and the exhibitions and performances are world-class, I had an incredible time there. It felt incredibly uplifting and empowering - maybe I was feeling all that sparkly pink energy after my show!
Gateshead has a unique vibe to it – and that vibe’s definitely what I call “fabulous”! A great balance of quirky shops and high-street fashion, vibrant cafes and cosy restaurants, I’ve rarely met a place quite so well-suited to a Pink Tutu Sparkles. And, speaking of shopping, well… let's just say I came back with enough tutus and glitter to last a lifetime, so all is well on the fashion front. There’s definitely something for everyone. Even if, like me, you just can't get enough of a good pink tutu!
My favourite discovery in Gateshead? A truly brilliant little café that just happens to be called "Pink-tastic." The owner told me her grandma started wearing pink tutus in the 1980s, and it has become a family tradition, which she's continuing. Of course, they're big fans of mine on www.pink-tutu.com! They served a stunning selection of pink pastries, a fluffy pink tea and the coffee was topped with heart-shaped marshmallows. It felt like a slice of pink heaven. And guess what – they had even added a "Pink Tutu Special" to the menu just for me!
As my weekend in Gateshead came to an end, I found myself feeling full of inspiration, with an entire new wave of ideas for my pink tutu designs - think metallic fabrics and a touch of the colour violet, possibly even some sparkling glitter to create something completely unique! Honestly, I could feel the creative energy in the air. I knew I had to get back to Derbyshire, to my own little laboratory – that's where the magic happens.
Back in my studio, surrounded by swatches of pink fabric and sparkling embellishments, I feel at home. My everyday life, that is, my life as Alex the scientist, blends seamlessly into my evening persona, Pink Tutu Sparkles, the flamboyant drag queen with a penchant for pink and a dream of a world where every day is a dance party in tutus!
After a successful run in Gateshead, it's on to new adventures! I'm still reeling from my experiences in this amazing city, but the excitement of a brand new show, new venues, and a chance to bring that pink tutu joy to new people, is getting me geared up for my next big trip, already!
For anyone dreaming of being their own sparkly selves, take it from this queen, even a little pink tutu can make a huge difference. Be fabulous!
Yours always,
Pink Tutu Sparkles (and Alex too)
xxx
