The Golden Handbags 2005...

venue:   The Old Market, Hove review date:   Sunday, 26 February 2006 photos by:   Sam Milford

review

Lola Lasagne hosted the evening with her usual panache - managing to hold the show together despite some technical hitches.

We were treated to a surprise appearance from Dave Lynn, a couple of songs from Jamie Watson (who valiantly carried on singing despite a dodgy microphone), a magic show with a stand-up twist from Mandy Muden and local band Coral who rocked things up a bit! Karen Noble brought the house down with her spookily accurate imitation of Barbara Streisand.

By way of some interval entertainment, those of us not rushing to the bar had the opportunity to watch a review of the year on the big screen... a rolling slideshow of photos from REALBrighton's 2005 archives. If you enjoyed revisiting the best bits of the year then keep an eye on our listings for our Spring Collection party at the Candy Bar in March!

More awards, and plenty more cabaret from the likes of the Rainbow Chorus, Trashville Tennessee... (I must admit I wouldn't have liked to have been on the Mayor's table for that particular performance... it was enough to make even the most hardened scene queen wince!), Rebecca Wheatley from Casualty, Maisie Trollette who brought the house down again with a very emotional I Am What I Am and a final performance from the City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus.

The crowd was particularly boisterous tonight, with everyone frequently on their feet cheering for great acts and great awards. Local celebrities in the crowd included the Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Bob Carden, and his wife Merle, the new boss of the local Police and a number of politicians who all lent their support by announcing awards throughout the evening.

HUGE thanks are due to everyone who helped put the show together! My personal thanks go to REALBrighton James for slaving over a hot computer for hours getting the graphics in order for the show, and for the fairly thankless task of sitting by the side of the stage with his laptop making sure the screen was showing the right awards at the right times! Also another huge thankyou to the 8 waiters for the evening, who must have run their poor little feet off keeping all our glasses topped up! And - reminded by RubyRoo's blog - not forgetting all the stage management crew - especially Helen who has superbly stage managed every major cabaret event in Brighton's recent history!

The night was another resounding success... but don't take our word for it. Make sure you get your ticket early next year!

someone said... A VIP comment randomly selected for your delight: "Such a beautiful boy and great friend...There really is no one else like you! Big love and Golden Handbags!" Said by bennyboy1976 on Tue, 28th February 2006. click to view the photo

snapped! Click the VIP's name to see where we caught'em! aboylikeme airkick16 Alex1 andyjackson Arena bennyboy1976 Billie_Lewis1977 BONDED Boyzstrous Chrissie Danny djdanger DJDitze Doughnut fashion_bunny Glam_Orville GregBrighton hollie Huw Jackson James JoshBtn joyride kibbie LeeCafe22 letitcia littlejon littlepaul Lola_L LukeLloyd partime playboy_24 pubboy queenjosephine simonneil Snowy Spike Star_Twister SteevieBen stevia Timmy Wilma

the photos...

		Arrival... photos by Sam Milford The red carpet was out for the arrival of this year's guests... a succession of cabs and even minibusses brought some of the best dressed guessed in Brighton to the awards... view review
		The First Half photos by Sam Milford With the doors closed and our glasses charged we settle down to start celebrating the winners and commiserating with those who were pipped at the finish line... view review
		The Interval photos by Sam Milford A short break to restock and just enough time to revisit some of the big events of the year with the REALBrighton review of 2005 up on the big screen... view review
		The Second Half photos by Sam Milford With plenty more awards to be presented, plenty more Champagne to be drunk and plenty more cabaret still to come... the lights dim once again and the show goes on... view review

about Lola Lasagne

The award-winning Lola Lasagne has long been a favourite cabaret performer in London and Brighton. Although it's obviously a drag queen's prerogative not to reveal specifics - let's just say it has been more than a decade and less than a lifetime! The next Lola Lasagne date for your diary: Friday, 16th May Midlands Mayhem @ Village Inn, Birmingham Click for more info and complete listings for Lola Lasagne

about Dave Lynn

Dave Lynn has been bringing his distinctive cabaret shows to audiences in Brighton and around the UK for more years than he would care to remember. In fact, he's been 34 years old for more years than we can remember... The next Dave Lynn date for your diary: Saturday, 17th May Dave Lynn's Cabaret Show @ The Black Cap, London Click for more info and complete listings for Dave Lynn

about City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus (CBGMC)

Back in January 2005, a group of guys got together and formed The City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, their motivation being to create a welcoming environment in which gay men could sing in company. Since then, the chorus has performed at a number of high profile events, including The Phil Starr Tribute Gala at the magnificent Dome Concert Hall. They have also performed at Winter Pride in Whitehawk, The Brighton Festival and The Golden Handbag Awards. The next City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus (CBGMC) date for your diary: Saturday, 17th May Brighton & Hove IDAHOBIT @ Volks Railway (IDAHO : International Day Against Homophobia) Click for more info and complete listings for City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus (CBGMC)

about Jamie Watson

Singer and songwriter, Jamie Watson, has been entertaining the crowd up and down the country and further afield for over 12 years. An accomplished compere and vocal performer, Jamie has graced the stage of major venues including the former London Hippodrome, Brighton Dome, Manchester's Printworks and venues across Europe. The next Jamie Watson date for your diary: Friday, 16th May Cabaret with Jamie Watson @ The George Music Bar, Isleworth Click for more info and complete listings for Jamie Watson

about The Rainbow Chorus

For over a decade, the Rainbow Chorus has been offering a supportive environment for its LGBT members to sing together and hone their talents and confidence. Through performance, the chorus also raises the profile of the LGBT community as well as providing top quality entertainment - and their performance biog is pretty impressive. The next Rainbow Chorus date for your diary: Thursday, 15th - Saturday, 17th May Rainbow Chorus and Tina C @ Udderbelly Tent (Brighton Festival Fringe) Click for more info and complete listings for The Rainbow Chorus

about Gscene Magazine

Gscene has been flying off venue shelves in Brighton for well over ten years, with pages packed with news, reviews, regular columnists and politics from Brighton's LGBT scene. Editor, James Ledward is known for being an outspoken and active member of the local community, often voicing views and concerns in his editorials. Click for more info and complete listings for Gscene Magazine