Britain’s Oldest Drag Artiste and Pattaya Icon, Maisie Trollette, Dies at 91
David Raven, better known by his stage name Maisie Trollette, has passed away at the age of 91 in the UK after a battle with dementia. A beloved figure in Brighton for decades, he was also a well-known performer in Pattaya’s golden-era gay clubs 20 years ago. Hired by Pattaya club moguls for his dazzling music and glitter routines, Raven also helped raise thousands of pounds for AIDS-related charities and orphanages.
Born in Cornwall, Raven was widely recognized as Britain’s oldest-working drag artiste—a term he preferred over “drag queen.” His career took off in post-war London pubs, during a time when homosexuality was still illegal. In 2022, his life and legacy were captured in an 80-minute documentary titled Maisie, which documented a week of his colorful and sometimes chaotic personal and professional life.
Raven’s style bridged the gap between traditional pantomime dames, like Dockyard Doris and Norman Evans, and the modern, bold performances of acts such as Lily Savage. Whether dressed in a Marie Antoinette wig or casually eating chips, his ability to blend glamour with everyday British humor made him a truly unique entertainer. His sharp wit and signature camp comedy were central to his enduring appeal.
As he aged, Raven often reflected on the challenges of growing old in the entertainment industry. He lamented the focus on youth and beauty in commercial gay culture, yet embraced aging with his trademark humor. “My mission,” he once told the Pattaya Mail, “is to combine arthritis with a sense of humour.”
His passing marks the end of an era for both British drag culture and the Pattaya LGBTQ+ community, where he left a lasting legacy of laughter, resilience, and generosity.
