Drag stars bring glitz and glamour to church fundraiser
A TEAM of drag queens have stepped forward – or rather tottered forward on sky-high heels – to support a city church.
St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Wellfield Road needs to raise £10,000 for repairs, to continue supporting its congregation as well as the many community groups who use the 130-year-old building.
A group of drag queens answered the call of charity organisers Wayne Courtney and Nathan Wyburn, who were determined to help St Andrew’s.
The night raised £2,000 and saw performances of songs from the musicals, including Sister Act, Christmas tunes and classics like I Am What I Am and Oh Happy Day.
Built in 1887, the huge, maze of a building is home to local Scout troops, the WI and fitness classes like Zumba, on top of the faith-based services.
Pauline Hegarty, who was born on Albany Road within a stone’s throw of the church, has been attending for 27 years.
She was married and her grandchildren baptised at St Andrew’s, and says if the church was to close, it would be devastating.
“It was heartbreaking, we hold a lot of events, the hall gets used for Scouts, WI, the bake off we used to have,” said Pauline.
“There’s people older than myself coming here a lot longer than I have, so we need to keep it open. And it’s a beautiful church. I love it.”
She was more than happy to see the drag queens perform and said the diverse audience is reflective of who the church welcomes.
“It’s very friendly, we open the doors to anybody, no matter who you are, you’re welcome,” she added. “I’m very open-minded. I think great on them to offer what they are doing. We’re all human beings no matter who you are, what you are. I was thrilled.”
A regular performer at Minsky’s in Cardiff, “Dixie” had his interest piqued when organisers Wayne and Nathan told him about the event.
Dixie said: “I thought it would be something very different. I don’t associate drag queens with church so I was interested to see how it would turn out and how people would take to it considering it’s polar opposites in one event.
“I’m not really obscene (in my act), which is sometimes a problem, but for events like this it’s perfect. I do quite a few charity events through the year. But because this one was here it was one I definitely want to get involved with.”
Gypsy Divine added: “Wayne and Wyburn told me it was a good cause and it’s Christmas – you have to do nice things at Christmas. I was a bit shocked when I found out it was in a church. I’m on my best behaviour. I’m keeping it festive, light bright and gay!”
Church-goers mixed with about 30 drag stars who were there both to perform and watch the show, which was hosted by Cardiff favourite Dr Bev.
Angela Grech, daughter of minister Des Kitto has been overwhelmed by the response of the community to the church’s plight.
“Me and Wayne and Nathan had a meeting with my dad discussing the fundraising and Wayne said ‘you won’t believe how many drag queens I’ve had in contact about helping.’ I looked at dad and said ‘let’s do it.’
“The church are delighted about the response we’ve had. It is open and welcoming and we have more events coming up.”
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