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# Brighton’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ – David Raven at 85!
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/brightons-jewel-in-the-crown-david-raven-at-85/
- Published: 2018-08-14T22:05:37.000Z
- Updated: 2018-08-15T08:15:26.000Z
- Description: Brighton’s Jewel in the Crown was the phrase that Miss Jason chose to describe the much-loved David Raven aka Maisie Trollette, at the first of the celebrations of David’s 85th birthday which falls on August 15.
- Author: Carole Todd

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_3525.jpg)

Brighton’s *Jewel in the Crown* was the phrase that Miss Jason chose to describe the much-loved David Raven aka Maisie Trollette, at the first of the celebrations of David’s 85th birthday which falls on August 15.

**DECKED out in the evening’s** pink, white and purple theme, Legends was packed to capacity with friends and fans including **Chris Hayward** who was David’s ‘Sister’ in eight pantomimes, **Sue Douglas** (another panto fellow actor to David) **Jae Alexander** who had taken the night off from conducting 42nd Street in London, and **Josh Mills** who had flown in from Amsterdam especially to play piano for the evening’s celebration.

After Miss Jason’s signature *“let it swing, let it Rock ’n Roll”*, David entered down the centre aisle to cheers and a standing ovation and entertained us with *“I feel a song coming on”* and *“Anything goes”* along with some top form banter demonstrating David’s years of experience, sharp wit and pure showmanship.

A very warm and funny video was shown with a birthday greeting from **Paul O’Grady** followed by **Dave Lynn**, **Davina Sparkle**, **Lola Lasagne**, **Drag with no name** and **Miss Jason** singing a very funny parody called *“Fans of Maisie”* to the tune of *“Broadway Baby”*. After each of them quoting a memory, a comment or praising David’s substantial and on-going commitment to charity work, they sang a tribute in the form of *“Candle in the Dark.”*

Next, a video of very interesting and, probably, formerly unseen photos of David through the ages was shown, during which time, Drag with no name supported the video singing the beautiful *So, here’s to life* resulting in another standing ovation and a few tears.

![IMG_3524](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_3524.jpg "IMG_3524") 

![IMG_3513](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_3513.jpg "IMG_3513") 

![IMG_3476](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_3476.jpg "IMG_3476") 

The stage was then handed over to Maisie and Josh for a sensitive *Who can I turn to* – with an interpretation that elevated **David Raven** in to the Star that he is.

After thanks to **Claire Fuller** for the technical support, Miss Jason joined David for *Together* then the tables were turned with a surprise for Miss Jason. David presented him with a painting of the two of them together performing at a former Brighton Pride….more tears ensued.

The evening finally came to an end with a masterful performance of *If I never sing another song* bringing true meaning of the current trendy phrase *“acting through song”* and was sensitively accompanied by Josh Mills. As ever, the audience would not let him go so we had a second encore *What a wonderful world*.

The evening had been put together by Miss Jason and **Alan Cardew** and was delivered with style, comedy and some very moving moments. Happy birthday David!

**Video Courtesy of Latest TV.**  
**Photos courtesy of Jack Lynn.**

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