What's a Girl Like You?

Director: Charles Squires
Release Year: 1969

"What's a Girl Like You?" (1969) is a landmark documentary by Charles Squires that offers an intimate and vibrant look at the world of drag and queer nightlife in late-1960s Britain. The film, aired on London Weekend Television, serves as both a fascinating historical document and a lively celebration of the drag scene in London and beyond. The documentary takes viewers into one of the country’s oldest and most famous gay venues, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) in south London, a space that became a beloved hub for both the LGBTQ+ community and its working-class regulars.

 

The first half of the documentary immerses the audience in the eclectic and dynamic atmosphere of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a venue with deep roots in London's gay scene. In 1969, the RVT was alive with energy, attracting a vibrant and diverse crowd, drawn not only by the drag performances but by the welcoming environment that made it an iconic space for those seeking community and expression. The camera work in the film is both engaging and playful, sweeping through the crowd and along the bar-turned-stage. Audiences witness performers like Bow, The Polka Dots, and Mr Cleo Rose taking center stage while working-class patrons enjoy their drinks. The performances are high-energy, with queens dramatically strutting their heels and displaying anarchic flair, making it clear that the atmosphere is one of liberation and revelry. The documentary captures this blend of flamboyance and casualness with a sense of joy that permeates the space. Despite the documentary’s occasional heavy-handed remark that "the one thing you don't have to be for drag is homosexual," the tone of the film remains refreshingly open-minded and non-judgmental. It offers a fascinating snapshot of a time when queer nightlife was thriving in a period of social change, and the community was forging its identity outside of mainstream society. The RVT's role in this cultural moment cannot be overstated, as it was one of the few spaces where such self-expression could flourish without the constraints of social norms.

 

The documentary then shifts its focus to the drag circuit in northern England, offering a striking contrast in tone and presentation. While the audience demographic remains largely working-class, the drag scene here takes on a more raw, rebellious edge. The atmosphere leans into the theatrical and sometimes surreal, showcasing an evolution of the drag aesthetic that differs from the polished performances in London. This section of the film introduces viewers to a fascinating array of performers, each adding their own distinct flavor to the drag tradition. Performers such as Bunny Lewis are celebrated for their impeccable female impersonation, while others, like Al Nicholls, embrace a more grotesque approach to drag. The documentary also features innovative acts like Terry Durham’s drag striptease, which pushes the boundaries of performance art and gender expression. One of the most poignant moments in the film is the appearance of Ava, a transgender singer whose performance of "Strictly a He-Male Female" offers a somber reminder of the struggles faced by trans women in 1969. Ava’s act reflects the difficult realities of life for transgender individuals during this period, particularly in a society that often viewed them with suspicion or outright hostility. Her melancholic yet powerful performance stands in stark contrast to the more celebratory nature of the other performances, offering a nuanced glimpse into the challenges faced by the trans community at the time. 

 

Throughout the documentary, candid interviews with performers offer further insight into their lives and motivations. These interviews serve as an important historical record, capturing the voices of individuals who were at the forefront of queer performance culture during a time of significant societal change. The film is not only a celebration of drag as art and performance but also an exploration of the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. It sheds light on how drag, as both a form of entertainment and a means of self-expression, played a vital role in shaping queer identity in the late 1960s. The significance of "What's a Girl Like You?" goes beyond its historical context. The documentary has become a rediscovered treasure, shedding light on the vibrant drag culture that was thriving before the more mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities in later decades. It provides a critical look at how drag performers navigated and resisted the constraints of mainstream society, offering a rich tapestry of gender and identity exploration that remains relevant today. 

 

The importance of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the LGBT community has only grown with time. In 2015, the venue was awarded Grade II-listed status, making it the first building in Britain to receive this honor for its contribution to the LGBT community. This recognition acknowledges not only the RVT's historical and cultural significance but also its continued role as a sanctuary for queer people, particularly in the face of societal challenges. "What's a Girl Like You?" is a valuable rediscovery, as it provides a glimpse into the formative years of queer nightlife and drag performance. It reminds us of the resilience, creativity, and joy that characterized the drag scene in the late 1960s and the role it played in shaping queer culture today. This documentary remains a poignant reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come - and how much of that journey has been defined by spaces like the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where drag and queerness could thrive without apology or compromise.

 

via: youtube and imdb

Image credits: YouTube