Kicking off the show was drag artist Crystal Meth, who got the crowd in the mood for the spectacular show ahead. Causing a stir wearing a daringly sheer gown by Galvan, accessorised with punky nipple covers, Indian face chain and colourful tattoos, Crystal delivered some of her signature wicked one-liners, causing the crowd to gasp and laugh at her rebellious attitude.
Following the BPNE slideshow, the first performance of the night came from Maltese Elton, a larger than life character, the former business manager of Centurion Bar, and one of the event organisers. In the lead up to the show kicking off with a rendition of 'Philadelphia Freedom', Tiago and myself tottered about the crowd in our police hats, handing out sausage rolls and quiches on his request, to make sure everyone's culinary needs were being met. When on stage, his wacky persona and his beverage never left him, wearing the attire of a purple Quality Street and launching into Crocodile Rock whilst playing the red velvet piano. It wasn't long before he was accompanied by guitarist, Kabiee Hlalo, which elevated the performance to another level.
Next to the stage and personally escorted into the room in typical celeb fashion was Gaga, her dramatic entrance enhanced with a largely sculpted black and gold veil/train and Maleficent-style protruding horns. With photographers wildly snapping around her, she begins to perform 'Paparazzi', much to the delight of the increasingly growing crowd. Part-way through the performance, her bustle is removed so she could fit on the stage to perform 'Born this Way', complete with Gaga-style dance moves. With her incredible voice and thrilling persona, she captivated the room with her renditions of some classic Gaga hits, and persuaded plenty to 'put their paws up'.
During Gaga's performance, unknown to the audience Malaysian Elton was planted alongside them, though his bling snap back and sheer black and gold tinted shirt ensured he was easily spotted. He was shortly 'hand-picked' by Gaga to accompany her on a duet of 'Don't go breaking my heart', which completely stunned the audience and even had Sean, CEO of BPNE, in tears.
Following the duet, Elton took the spot light for his solo performance, singing a couple of tracks including a beautiful version of 'The way you look tonight'. Throughout his performances and his flawless ballads, he had the crowd on their feet, swaying their glow sticks, and ended the show with a spine-tingling Adele cover of 'Skyfall'. On the occasional song, he was also joined by Maltese Elton on piano, double the Elton fun!
Although not one of the main performers, but adding that extra bit of dash to the performances, was guitarist and videographer Kaiee Hlalo. In addition to the multilayered, spiralling imagery that made up the backdrop to the show, Kaiee also made a dapper musical addition with his suave glam attire and slick electric guitar playing skills.
Some of the great entertainers of the show, and a lot of the fund raising too, came from the 'camp police', which included Trish Wilson, Jeff Allan and Tiago Galvan. Throughout the performances and in the intervals, seen wearing an array of tutus, authoritative hats, disco earrings and a particularly fetching LED belt by Jeff which read 'camp police', they served food, raffle tickets, CDs, dished out a 'camp quiz' and fined audience members for being 'non-camp'. They kept a great atmosphere throughout Centurion Bar where the event was held, and added extra sparkle!
Speaking of Tiago Galvan, fashion designer, F6 member and with the help of sponsorship from Phaze Clothing, creator of the magnificent costumes. From the avant-garde sheer dress on Crystal Meth to the corsets on Gaga, shimmering shirt on Malaysian Elton, not to mention the hair styling, he contributed an element of glamorous and gothic theatre which really added a visual wow factor.
Overall the audience seemed to have a fabulous time, drinking, taking 'selfies with the stars' and being thoroughly entertained by the performances and those involved with the show. A really successful event for BPNE, the Centurion Bar and all those involved.
To find out more on the people who took part, here are links and contact details of those involved...
Crystal Meth (Drag Artist)
Lady Gaga (Jemma)
Agency website - http://www.istagegroup.com
Agency email - paul@istagegroup.com
Malaysian Elton (Jeffri)
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/jeffri-ramli-official
Kabiee Hlalo (Videographer and Guitarist)
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/kab
Behance - https://www.behance.net/kabieehlalo
Email - kabsawthestarz@googlemail.com
Galvan (Costumes)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tiago.galvan.75
Email - tiagogalvan@hotmail.com
Phaze Clothing (fabric and accessories)
Website - phazeclothing.com
Official Photographers
Murray Thompson
As used on the blog!!
Email - thompson.murray@yahoo.co.uk
Chris White
Event photographer for The Chronicle and The Journal.
Body Positive North East (BPNE)
Website - http://www.bpne.org
Also Well done to Paul (Maltese Elton) who helped organise the event at Centurion Bar, and Alex Hunter of Intu Eldon Square Marketing Department for designing the graphics and flyers for the event!
MK
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