"Old age can be a drag." This statement rings true for David Raven, Britain’s oldest drag performer, who continues to grace the stage as Maisie Trollette, even as he approaches his 85th birthday. After over five decades in the industry, Raven faces the unique challenges that come with aging while still maintaining a fierce presence as Maisie. The documentary Maisie (2021), directed by Lee Cooper, sheds light on Raven's life as a performer, giving viewers an intimate and heartwarming look at his enduring passion for drag performance, despite the physical and emotional hurdles that aging brings.
Maisie is more than just a portrait of an elderly drag queen = it is an exploration of identity, resilience, and the timeless allure of performance. The film revolves around David Raven, whose stage persona, Maisie Trollette, has been a fixture of Britain’s drag scene since the 1960s. Having come out as gay at the age of 26, Raven initially performed alongside James Court as part of The Trollettes, a drag act that eventually led him to fame. By the time Cooper made the film, Raven had spent nearly 50 years in the business. Although Maisie was delayed in its release, Raven had already turned 88 by its premiere, though the documentary was filmed when he was 85. Cooper’s approach to the documentary was distinct and far from a conventional biopic. While Raven’s career and persona have played a significant role in shaping the evolution of British drag, particularly through performances at iconic London venues like The Black Cat in Camden and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Cooper opted for a more personal, less scripted depiction. Rather than focusing solely on the broader history of drag or Raven’s past achievements, Maisie presents an informal, candid portrayal of his life in his 80s. It explores his relationships with his chosen family, friends, and fellow drag performers, showing how his performances continue to provide him with a sense of purpose as he navigates the difficulties of aging and living alone following the death of his partner, Don Coull, over two decades ago.
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A significant portion of the documentary highlights Raven's interactions with his close friends in the drag community, including fellow drag artists like Dave Lynn and Jason Sutton. However, one of the most intriguing parts of the film comes when Raven meets Darcelle XV, an American drag queen from Portland, Oregon, who, at 87, holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest performing drag queen in the world. The meeting between Raven and Darcelle adds an intriguing dynamic to the film, as both performers bring vastly different approaches to their craft. Raven, as Maisie, draws on British pantomime traditions, embracing the comedic and self-deprecating nature of the art form while simultaneously accepting the aging process. In contrast, Darcelle represents the glamorous world of pageantry, where maintaining youthfulness and appearance is prioritized. Their friendly rivalry provides some of the most entertaining and thought-provoking moments in the documentary, as they compare their philosophies on drag and aging. While Raven prefers to be called David when not performing and resists the term “drag queen,” Darcelle embraces the label with pride. These differences, along with the two performers’ personal histories, including both men having children, bring depth and humor to the narrative.
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At just 75 minutes long, Maisie is a relatively brief film, but its episodic structure allows for a deep dive into various aspects of Raven’s life. Cooper’s observational style gives the viewer a raw, behind-the-scenes look at Raven’s daily routine in his Brighton home, his rehearsal space, and his performances. While the film touches on significant moments, such as Raven’s grief over the death of his partner, it does not dwell on these themes too heavily. Instead, it focuses on the ongoing support Raven receives from his drag community, who help him continue his performances despite the challenges of aging. This network of friends and colleagues provides emotional and practical support, with moments of camaraderie and humor captured in scenes like an impromptu singalong to “The Lady is a Tramp.” Although the documentary touches on Raven’s past connections with famous figures such as Diana Dors and Lily Savage, it remains primarily focused on the present, exploring how Raven continues to find joy and fulfillment in his work. His performances, including a poignant rendition of If I Never Sing Another Song, highlight that while age may slow him down, it has not diminished his ability to captivate an audience. This final performance stands as a testament to his enduring talent and resilience, proving that old age has not robbed him of the ability to give a show-stopping performance.
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Maisie is the first feature-length film directed by Lee Cooper, and it reflects his dedication to telling LGBTQ+ stories that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema. In an interview, Cooper expressed his frustration with the lack of representation of aging gay individuals in film. He pointed out that while there are many “coming out” stories, there is a noticeable absence of narratives that explore the lives of older LGBTQ+ people, particularly gay men, whose stories often go untold. The commercialized and commodified aspects of modern LGBTQ+ culture, epitomized by shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, stand in stark contrast to the more traditional and often rough-around-the-edges style of performance that Raven, as Maisie, represents. Cooper’s goal in making Maisie was to preserve the legacy of the British pantomime queen tradition and to give voice to a generation of performers whose stories are at risk of being forgotten. Cooper’s background in art direction also influenced his approach to the film’s aesthetic. The juxtaposition between Raven’s everyday life as David and his larger-than-life stage persona as Maisie is strikingly captured through careful lighting and composition. Cooper wanted to highlight the contrast between the glamorous world of drag and the real-world challenges of aging. These details, including Raven’s struggles with applying makeup and putting on his costume, are presented in a way that emphasizes the labor and craft involved in creating the illusion of perfection.
One of the central themes of Maisie is the preservation of LGBTQ+ history, particularly the drag traditions that have been an integral part of queer culture for centuries. The film highlights the importance of remembering and respecting elders, especially those who have lived through difficult times. Raven’s life story serves as a reminder of the trials and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during an era when being gay was illegal in the UK. Cooper navigates difficult topics, such as Raven’s internalized homophobia, his experiences during the AIDS crisis, and the stigma surrounding aging in the gay community, with grace and sensitivity. By documenting Raven’s story, Maisie helps to preserve the history of a generation that fought for their right to exist and perform openly.
In the end, Maisie is not just a documentary about an aging drag performer; it is a celebration of life, friendship, and the transformative power of performance. Lee Cooper’s film offers a unique and heartfelt portrayal of David Raven, a man whose passion for drag has shaped his identity and given him a sense of purpose well into his 80s. The film’s warmth, humor, and candid portrayal of aging and friendship resonate deeply, making Maisie a fitting tribute to a beloved performer and a reminder of the value of preserving LGBTQ+ history. Through Raven’s story, the film shows that even as time passes and bodies age, the joy of performing and the bonds formed through art remain eternal.
Image credits: YouTube
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