said by _Skip_
on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, 1:52am

Sunday saw the great Starr sent to his place above us, to continue shinning upon us with his brilliant sparkle.

What a fabulous send off dear Phil Starr had and what a funny and entertaining funeral he had - that was theatre at its best. His friends Lee, Brian and June said such much about their friend and left us in no doubt about their sincerity and personal loss.

Thanks have to go to Peter Storrow and Tony Chapman - the two diehards of our community that always ensure that those that cared for us are cared for in their time of need. You did us proud guys, thank you.

St Mary's Church was packed to over spilling, and trust me - that aint a small Church. The well-known mixed and mingled with the unknowns as we followed Phil's Horse drawn carriage down to the seafront and back up St James's Street to the Church. Dodging piles of horse manure in the road was the least of our worries as we battled with umbrellas that were threatening to give us an airborne view; most then accepted the howling wind that sent the rain thrashing against our bodies. Faces that had tears were consoled with the fact that the rain camouflaged any tears. Applause and laughter was the order of the day, just like one of Phil’s shows. An appeal from the vicar, at the conclusion of service, for his Church that was threatened with closure, saw the plates overflowing with large denomination notes as a generous congregation filed out of the Church to wave and applaud Phil just one more time.

The Wake at R Bar was packed, and I mean packed. Revenge and R Bar had elected to supply the food for this occasion and that was supplied continuously throughout the afternoon. Not the usual few platters of sandwiches and nibbles, no, those trays were replaced and replaced – no expense was spared there. So a big thanks to Andrew and the team from Revenge and R Bar that worked continually to supply and satisfy our needs.

Thank you everyone for your kindness.

My colleague from Gscene magazine is busy organising a fundraising Tribute to Phil Starr Show in January and details can be found in this months Gscene magazine (download on www.gscene.com). This is going to be one hell of a spectacular event with 3 big names already confirmed. A large deposit has been paid for the Dome Theatre in Brighton and I suggest you buy your tickets from the Dome Box Office NOW rather than paying inflated prices on Ebay later as this will be a sell-out show!

All proceeds (after expenses) will be shared amongst two of Phil’s favourite charities: The Sussex Beacon and Shoreham Dog Trust for rescue dogs.

Don’t say that I never warned you!

Skip

said by Bristol_Crystal
on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, 12:48pm

What a day? Phil would have loved it. Sunday nov. 7th will go down in the history of gay Brighton as 6the day we said farewell to a STARR.
It was a shame that someone had to die for Brighton to come together like it did. I would like to thank every body who contributed on the day for a wonderful send off to a great man.

said anonymously
on Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 4:49pm

I can't tell you how shocked we were hearing the sad news of Phil Starr Passing.

We have lost a true Legend. His unique Voice, those Legs and Frocks most real woman would envy. Myself & my partner and friends would travel into Brighton on a Thursday from Littlehampton to Watch Arsnic & Old Lace perform at Legends Bar. This we shall all miss as there is no-one as good as Phil Starr.

He was very witty and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was like an Aunt to all who new him. Kind, gentle, so talented. A light has gone out in Brighton Now and the Cabaret Scene will never be the same again.

We shall miss him in the Alternative Panto - he just had to walk on stage and stand there... say nothing... the audience would be in laughter. I wonder if there is any film footage of Phil Starr career and snippets of interviews etc that could be put on a video or DVD and the proceeds from the sales go towards a Charity in his honour?

Peter
Social Secretary for T.A.G.S (The Arun Gay Society)

said by Rob
on Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 6:26pm

There is a great article about his life in the gay times this month... check it out!

said by lady shamrock
on Friday, 6 March 2009, 2:22pm

As a drag artist from the republic of ireland and someone who knew phill he was the greatest drag artiste who no one could ever replace. If it wasnt for Phill i would never have become a drag artiste - I'm just thankful for the pleasure of knowing Phill. You could never be sad when phill was around and I know he is on that big stage in the sky still making people cry with laughter. Love you Phill. r.i.p

said by David Overland
on Monday, 15 March 2010, 5:06pm

Just playing some camp old music and came across amigos para siempre and reminded me of when Phil use to sing it.

When it was playing I was back there in the pub with him in front of me singing it. Good bless ya Phil - we all still miss ya and remember the smiles you gave us over the years.