Hello Dolly!

That spectacle of glitter, sequins and hutzpah Danny La Rue is 80 years old today! Danny was a camp phenomenon of the mid 20th century - he made drag "respectable" in an era when gay sex was punishable with a prison sentence, playing to any kind of audience without giving offence.



With his catchphrase "wotcha mates", he swept on stage in spectacular costumes and wigs, impersonating such celebrities as Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dorothy Squires, even Margaret Thatcher. He was feted by some of the dodgier characters of the 1960s including various hangers-on of the likes of the Krays, but rose to become one of the highest-paid entertainers of that decade.

Danny La Rue was the first female impersonator to perform for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance, and was befriended by many stars who attended his nightclub in Hanover Square including Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Windsor, Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Noel Coward, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Elizabeth Taylor and even (famously) Princess Margaret, who walked in on him while he was naked in his dressing room!

Noel Coward described him as "The most professional, the most witty...and the most utterly charming man in the business." Danny's mainstream career continued for many decades after his 60s heyday, in TV specials, on the big screen (albeit to limited success), and in pantomime. And of course, he made a real name for himself when he landed his most famous stage role - that of Dolly Levi in the musical Hello, Dolly!



Never obviously a great one for supporting gay rights when he was younger, Danny spent much of his career pretending to be a straight man who just happened to dress up for the stage. In truth, Danny lived for decades with his partner and manager Jack Hanson, until Jack's death in Australia following a major stroke. Danny - recently awarded an OBE - went into semi-retirement in 2006 after he too had a stroke, but has apparently stated his intention to tour again in 2008. I look forward to it!

I said hello, Dolly,......well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly.......I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin'...you're still crowin'...you're still goin' strong
I feel that room swayin'......while the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So..... take her wrap, fellas.......find her an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again

I said hello, Dolly,.....well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly.....I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin'...you're still crowin'...you're still goin' strong
I feel the room swayin'...while that ole band keeps on playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So...golly, gee, fellas....find her an empty knee, fellas
Dolly'll never go away....I said she'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again!!

http://www.dannylarue.com/