Mr Pride Final...

venue:   Revenge event:   Pride in Brighton & Hove review date:   Sunday, 4 July 2004 photos & words by:   Bec Chalkley [ intro | page 1 | page 2 ]

review

After a few warm-up tunes from Sugar & Spice we’re introduced to the contenders. There’s Nick, who’s a lifeguard (Andy: “Tell us about one of these people you saved." Nick: “Well, some bitch was drowning and basically I saved her."); Richard, bouncer (a gentle giant Gerard Depardieu type in English gent linens, who suddenly flings himself to the floor and does the splits); Ricky Royale, septegenarian cabaret artiste who looks like Harold from Neighbours (“I’ve been gay 54 years!"); and finally Miklos who just can’t keep his disco-toes from twirling and promises: “I’ll give Mrs Pride a good time!". There was a fifth finalist who didn’t turn up (“He was straight. I think he was foreign," Ricky later confides).

After an interlude while Betty Swallocks entertains the crowd, the contestants line up breathlessly for the clap-o-meter, that scrupulous and infallible democratic tool. And the best gay in Brighton is... Ricky Royale! Who knew? As bafflement and delight spread through the room, Ms Pride winner Mich steps up on stage to join our newly crowned Mr Pride. David Tuck of Pride presents Ricky’s prize, which includes a year’s membership to Revenge.

As Ricky takes in the news that he’ll also ride in the Pride covertible throughout the parade, he’s already smiling and waving in anticipation. Soon they will have their Pink Pamper makeover and photo shoot with REALBrighton, which will feature as 3Sixty magazine's cover story. With this charming, unassuming couple, I think it’s going to be fun...

someone said... A VIP comment randomly selected for your delight: "Christ, I was pissed!" Said by Slider on Tue, 8th August 2006. click to view the photo

snapped! Click the VIP's name to see where we caught'em! Huw James Michael Monkey83 Slider Spice Sugar Twiggy

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click to view all 53 photos

about Revenge

If Brighton is widely regarded as the gay capital of the UK, then Revenge is its Big Gay Cathedral. A whopping two floors of a club, giving you a choice of music music, decor and people. And with both floors being so big you can stand and chat by the bar without having to scream at each other over the music. Sitting in the windows upstairs you can while away your time looking out over the Pier or ... The next Revenge date for your diary: Friday, 5th December X-Factor Finalist Fridays Click for more info and complete listings for Revenge

about Pride in Brighton & Hove

Being the biggest free Pride event in the UK, Pride in Brighton & Hove is one of the highlights of the year on everyone's calendar down here. Each year just seems to get better and better. REALBrighton.com has the largest archive of Brighton Pride photos in the world. The next Pride in Brighton & Hove date for your diary: Saturday, 7th - Sunday, 15th March Winter Pride 7th-15th March 2009 @ All over Brighton Click for more info and complete listings for Pride in Brighton & Hove