Screening: Maisie, plus short film Cath

Cath (short) by Caroline Smith

Cath features our fave lady in pink and the (un)Official Queen of St Helens Kitty O'Shea (aka Cath Shea). Observing the everyday life, obstacles and creativity of one woman from St Helens, Merseyside; we follow Cath as she reaches 50 and takes stock of her journey in negotiating the balance between life and art. Having arrived at a point of now-or-never she revisits her alter-ego Kitty O'Shea in a final attempt to shift the balance from occasional maker to practising artist.

Commissioned by Heart of Glass, created by Caroline Smith. Selected for Manchester International Film Festival, 2023.

Followed by Q&A with Cath Shea and director Caroline Smith.

Maisie (15), 75 minutes

An intimate portrait of ageing and friendship, this documentary follows David Raven as he dons his sequins and eyelashes to prepare for a special performance as ‘Maisie Trollette’, Britain’s Oldest Performing Drag Artiste, on his 85th birthday.

Performing for over 65 years, LGBT+ trailblazer David reflects on his experiences of being a gay man before homosexuality was legal in Britain in 1967, and speaks to artists performing today on Brighton’s drag scene.

Featuring Broadway classics, feisty exchanges with American rival Walter Cole, who performs as ‘Darcelle XV’ and an insight into David’s struggles with Alzheimer’s, this is a heart-warming, often heart-breaking, glimpse into the world of a character more colourful than his gowns.

Winner: DFCC’s Best Documentary 2022.