Last night Cherry was performing at a charity ladies night and man auction at Cordingley Conference Centre, near Telford. Getting there was "interesting" to say the least as the satnav took us to some village on the outskirts of beyond, you know the sort of place, where siblings are encouraged to marry!!! Anyhow, after a fraught phone conversation with someone at the venue, and following their instructions, we did get there. However, I must point out that I do have the sense of direction of a dead homing pigeon, which does cause some major concern to my passengers when I am driving... and my hubby's level of anxiety does reach new heights in these kind of scenarios.
So, as hubby went off to transform into Cherry, I sat at the bar with our friend Lisa, who had come out with us, and we watched the man auction take place. It was like watching a Caucasian version of "Roots", only funnier. When sold to the highest bidder these slaves would then do menial tasks for the ladies for the evening, waiting on them, getting drinks, even one poor guy got sent out for chips! That's dedication for you....
During these events I check on hubby's progress to see when he needs help changing - I have found it is best to leave well alone until the make up is on, although it is interesting to watch the transformation take place. As this transformation progresses you can see the personality change with it. As each facet of Cherry is put into place - the make-up, tights, corset, tits, shoes, dress, jewellery, wig - there is an emergence of a new personality, which is awesome and at the same time baffling. Some would say it is just your husband in a dress and some slap, but they don't see it from my perspective, seeing the change in confidence, personality, mannerisms, the emergence of this character, Cherry Darling. Even height makes all the difference. My hubby is a very unassuming 5ft 7inches usually, but with the paraphernalia that goes with Cherry, in particular the 6 inch stacked heeled shoes and bouffant wig, helps to create this Amazonian stature of nearly 7 foot. The culminating factor is the wig, as soon as it is placed, Cherry emerges. She is then ready to meet her public.
On stage, Cherry ramps up the energy in the venue, with songs, comedy and a large dose of crowd-bitching. It's not a very good analogy, but I liken Cherry on stage to a Spanish Galleon in the Armada, sailing stately in the water in full sail, firing salvos of jokes and comedic put downs into the audience. There are some very near the knuckle comments, which do make me feel uncomfortable personally; OK I cringe inwardly, but hey, drag acts aren't known for their tact and diplomacy. She stays on stage for the male stripper, getting the girls into a mad frenzy that they begin baying for the removal of garments. At this point the women are on their feet and have formed a circle around this near-naked performer, like villagers around an illicit cock-fight (oooh, how ironic!) The chant of " off, off, off, off" is louder than ever - especially from Cherry as she is leading the chant - and it culminates in the removal of every stitch. The stripper then reveals all, wearing nothing but a smile, and the culmination of the performance is reached!
As mentioned, last night's event was for charity in aid of the Air Ambulance Service. It was organised by the lovely Lenny Worthing, who in his spare time organises a number of these events each year to support local charities, and it is to him I dedicate this blog to. Cheers Lenny.
Oh, and my new fag hag, Natalie - you are my new best friend, text me every 10 minutes!!!
