Remembering Maisie Trollette: The Legacy of David Raven
David Raven, widely celebrated as Maisie Trollette, was believed to be Britain’s oldest drag performer. His remarkable journey came to an end on a Wednesday in the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, England, where he passed away at the age of 91.
The news of his passing was confirmed by Scott St. Martyn, a close friend of Mr. Raven, who shared that he had been residing in a nursing home.
Maisie Trollette was a legendary figure, captivating audiences for over 50 years with his dazzling performances. Adorning a blonde wig, layers of makeup, and shimmering sequined gowns, he brought to life classic show tunes and delivered cheeky humor. His presence on the British drag circuit was iconic, making him a staple at events like the Brighton and Hove Pride and a guiding light for emerging drag artists.
Mr. Raven embraced his identity as a gay man in his 20s, a time when such acts were criminalized in Britain. (It wasn’t until 1967 that the laws in England were reformed.) His venture into drag coincided with the rising popularity of iconic drag performer Danny La Rue, who was reportedly an admirer of Mr. Raven’s work.
Early in his career, he referred to himself as a “pantomime dame,” according to Mr. St. Martyn, who became friends with him during the 1980s. “He always sought to bring legitimacy to his craft by presenting himself as a professional actor,” Mr. St. Martyn remarked.
In the 1960s, Mr. Raven gained acclaim as one half of the dynamic drag duo, the Trollettes, alongside Jimmy Court, who performed as Jimmy Trollette.
