Kinky Toots at the Tower
Thursday 14th March saw the Fifth Floor at Blackpool Tower host Freckleton Band, joined by drag artists Len Blanco and Donna Trump, for a night of big brass numbers, comedy skits and glamour. This was the first performance from BBE’s Elevate programme, and everyone is now eagerly awaiting the second.
The laughter, audience participation and musical arrangements all solidified what the event was about: a celebration of brass banding and queer culture, born from the mind of director Jamie Sophia Fletcher. During her pre-show speech, Jamie said: “Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s there were a few things that undoubtedly shaped who I am today, and one of those is playing in a brass band.”
That celebration was expressed in the programme, which blended the traditional with the contemporary. ‘William Tell overture’, ‘The Contestor’ and part of Cyril Jenkins’ ‘Life Divine’ were seamlessly integrated with Queen’s iconic ‘I Want to Break Free’ performed by Len Blanco, a powerful rendition of ‘Out There’ from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame by Donna Trump, and a show-stopping finale of ‘This Is My Life’, made famous by Shirley Bassey.
Of the show, an audience member commented: “We had a flippin’ marvellous time! We love this project.” Liv Appleton, creator of the brass band blog, It’s Not a Trumpet, wrote in her review that Kinky Toots was a “vibrant showcase of the beauty that can be created when diversity and inclusion is embraced.”
Kinky Toots wouldn’t have been possible without its powerhouse of a creative team and their six months of dedication to the project. Following the pairing of director Jamie Sophia Fletcher and BBE member band Freckleton Band, led by MD Adam Taylor, two drag artists were brought in as the evening’s hosts. Drag king Len Blanco is a musician and comedian best known for their satirical ex-boyband character and original pop songs. Drag queen Donna Trump has a musical theatre background, is a singer and comedian influenced by Bertolt Brecht and Antonin Artaud.
Following the second round of Elevate applications, which saw Weymouth Concert Brass be paired with composer Rebecca Denniff, new rounds are open. Bands seeking to expand their practices can apply for the third round of pairings, whilst a new opportunity for artists has opened.
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