It’s the 30th Anniversary of the groundbreaking coming-of-age British film Beautiful Thing, written by Jonathan Harvey and directed by Hettie Macdonald. Few films match the beauty, innocence, and honesty quite like this. And with the film heading back to cinemas next month, we’re celebrating the milestone with an interview with the legendary Dame Dave Lynn, who appears as a drag performer in the film.

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Hello Dame Dave Lynn, a true honour to get this opportunity to talk with you.How’s your summer been, busy from the looks of things?

 

Thank you for asking me, I’m having a great summer thank you, with a new puppy and work it’s heaven.

 

What’s the secret to sustain the career you’ve had for 50 years?

 

50 years goes quicker than you think, when I was young I certainly didn’t think I would still be doing drag and enjoying it 50 years later. I think the secret is if you enjoy doing something and always be proud of what you do and try and keep up with the times.

 

You’re known as the Drag Queen of Drag Queens, how did that title come about?

 

The Drag Queen of Drag queens  came from one of the appearances on Weakest Link after you come off they ask you questions straight away and it’s the only thing I could think of.

 

When you entered that amateur drag night at The Black Cap in Camden did you imagine it would lead to the long, successful career you’ve had?

 

No, when I entered the talent contest at the Black Cap I was 16 and I thought that it would make me famous! It was very exciting and nerve racking.

 

Have you been back to The Black Cap since it reopened? 

 

I haven’t been back to the Black Cap since it has re- opened, I always loved working the venue although it was a nightmare to get to from Brighton and I tend not to travel so much.

 

How did Dame Dave Lynn come about, the Lynn part is inspired by your mum and grandmother am I right?

 

I came home from appearing at the talent contest, and my parents and lovely lil grandma were waiting up to find out how I got on, I told them the host said I can’t just be called Dave and that I needed a second name. So my grandma said what about mums middle name Evelyn and we all liked this very much and then mum said it sounded better with just 4 letters so we all decided on Lynn.

 

What was it about Drag that was such a pull for you?

 

I really just wanted to entertain but after a while I realised I loved doing drag, it was like going to a fancy dress party and you feel more confident.

 

Much like Lily Savage, Dame Edna, John Inman, the list is long, through mainstream TV shows like Birds of a Feather and films like Beautiful Thing you’ve contributed greatly in bringing drag performance to mainstream audiences. Because of the period these projects came out did you have any apprehensions about how you and your work would be perceived by the public? 

 

It was different in those days when I got cast in anything as drag wasn’t popular mainstream as it is today. When I appeared on Faking It for Channel 4 it was a real eye opener as an act and the attention it got was a lil bit scary but you have to remember this was way before social media.