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Evening Standard Magazine
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Laura Campbell gets an eyeful of entertainer Alan Pillay's dazzling collection of duster coats
'Welcome to my boardroom,' says cult entertainer / performer Alan Pillay, veteran of TV's Comic Strip Presents gang, ushering me into a dazzling blue bedroom. As you enter, a shocking pink silk bedspread practically jumps up and bits you on the nose. 'It's a contrast to all those compost colours of minimalism. Quite vibrant, isn't it?' Yes, and so is he, dressed in a vermilion velvet coat.
It's hard to know where to look, At the three giant purple marabou feather pompoms that look like the Queen Mother's hats stuck to the wall above the bed? Or the series of hologram sequin encrusted duster coats shimmering in front of mauve velvet curtain that hides all his 'theatrical bits'? Though no longer worn, these define a mad, demented period of my life when I was a big disco diva,' he adds, referring to the eighties when he had the hit 'Pistol In My Pocket'. Soon they'll get an airing in Wide Open For You, the autobiographical solo show he's doing at the Jermyn Street theatre on 20 and 27 March.
You don't have to look far for full-throttle retro glitz. There are countless more show-stopping duster stage coats that were so admired by Danny La Rue, with trailing hems and fake Arctic-fox-trims. These lurk behind the swathe of velvet and include a long red sequinned number that Chaka Khan begged him to sell to her. Most of these pieces were made by Robin Betts, responsible for some of the more outlandish costumes in Dr Who.And there are plenty of lush velvet and sequin flecked shirts by Catherine Bauer that Alan tends to wear to openings. 'I'm like the new Christopher Biggins. I'll go to anything. Next time you open the biscuit tin ill be there,' he quips.For everyday wear Alan goes to 'the rough end of Oxford Street' for Ciro Citterio trousers and 'anywhere that's cheap and affordable' like Topshop.
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Surprisingly, there's not a stiletto in sight, no leftover killer heels from his drag-queen days. 'I'm very Katherine Hepburn in the shoe department,' he explains, pulling out ultra-ordinary black Doc Martens sandals, Todd Barnes wedge loafers with gold coins inside for luck and Reebok trainers. But any disappointment is soon quashed when you're shown Alan's 'MAC chair', a gold throne that he found on the street, repainted and upholstered in purple velvet decorated with gold thread. On it is a pile of MAC cosmetics guarded by a toy racoon and a brush wielding rabbit. 'I keep my slap by the bed in case there's a fire,' he says, before adding earnestly: 'It's the best stage make-up as it doesn't run.'
So what does someone with such a glamorous wardrobe think of us safely clad mortals? 'People dress as if they're going to Edith Piaf's funeral. Follow fashion too rigidly and you date yourself. People make the mistake of adopting a look that doesn't suit them.' Whatever guise Alan uses, he can never go incognito. 'The amount of people who recognise me, I'd be no good as a shoplifter.' Particularly when you're featured in Hello! Alongside Michael Douglas.
'Hollywood can wait,' he says.
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The Guardian
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WIDE OPEN FOR YOU -New End
The one time transexual disco diva arrives larger than life in a no holds barred account of the extraordinary story.
The all round entertainer begins with a Wonderful, Marvellous song in a scarlet three quarter length coat, later to adorn a loud purple and silver gown. Neither are as loud as Pillay's bellowing voice and hilarious, smutty humour.
The content is exciting, cheeky and raw. Pillay's infamous impression of a quivering Shirley Bassey is perfect. For the liberated, his jokes will make you gag with laughter.
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'I used to get really good marks at school …round the neck.'
Every minute is savoured by the audience, quickly warming to the star's persona. Pillay relates his CV in dramatic style. From his beginnings in Grimsby and the violence inflicted on him as an adolescent, to the calculated move to London in search for acceptance, fame and fortune.
A journey that will leave you panting for more
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