10/05/15: It was a suitably gorgeous day last weekend as we headed to Marble Arch for an evening of patriotic celebration and joyous remembrance, courtesy of the queen of a thousand gowns, Tiffaney Wells (she has her own walk in closet at home for all her drag you know! Too camp).
By Jason Reid
This year’s VE Day (Victory in Europe) celebrations marked 70 years since the end of World War II, and host Tiffaney was keen to explain to us the importance of continuing to celebrate this historic day: “We must honour those who gave their lives and fought for the freedoms we have today, and we should never forget or become complacent. The world is still a very fragmented place and we only have to look at the news to see countries where citizens’ rights are still being denied. During World War II the lives of minorities were taken simply for being who they were. Such an atrocity must never happen again. So today we celebrate liberty.”
Looking immaculately elegant, head to toe in glimmering silver, and clutching a never-ending large glass of rosé wine, Tiffaney took us on a journey through the decades, focusing heavily on the ‘40’s, of course, singing the songs of Betty Grable – a forces pin up and Hollywood actress – and Vera Lynn – widely known as the forces sweetheart and for singing the wartime anthems ‘We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”. As always with Tiff, she treated the audience to medleys from some of her favourite musicals and divas; from Gypsy to Bette Middler.
“I just adore Bette” Tiffaney gushed, “She’s always been an idol of mine, a strong and powerful woman with a tender way and the most beautiful voice. How can anyone not melt when she sings such songs as ‘The Rose’ and ‘Wind Beneath my Wings’”.
Also performing, as guests, from the George Formby Society and in full home guard uniform were Ray Reynolds and Johnny Key. They strummed their ukuleles and cracked jokes to a delighted Quebec audience, ending their set with the Formby classic “Leaning on a Lampost.”
There was a real air of unity and pride in the venue throughout the evening. And they certainly didn’t hold back on the bunting and decoration! It looked glorious. We raised our glasses high for liberty and freedom, we sang along, and we quite rightly got swept up in the festivities of this momentous occasion.
12 Old Quebec Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7AF
