The Stage

Female impersonator Haynes dies aged 90

Published Monday 31 March 2008 at 12:30 by Patrick Newley

Alan Haynes, one of Britain’s most famous female impersonators, has died at the age of 90.

Haynes began his career in forces shows before teaming up as a double act with fellow drag performer Terry Gardener.

He rose to fame, however, in the early fifties when he partnered the then unknown Danny La Rue. The duo formed a double act and regularly performed at Churchill’s nightclub in Mayfair, London.

They went on to appear in pantomime and soon became the most famous and highly paid Ugly Sisters in the country. They appeared in 14 number one pantomimes in all, including a Christmas 1973 TV special, Queen of Hearts with La Rue in the title role and Haynes as Queen Mother.

In their 1968 production of the Sleeping Beauty at Golders Green Hippodrome, the pair had 34 changes of costume.

Eventually La Rue went solo and Haynes made guest appearances in London night clubs, eventually opening his own club, The Havajah, in Bateman Street, Soho.

He had been in poor health in recent years and was due to live in Brinsworth House, the actors’ retirement home in Middlesex, but died on March 17 at his home in north London.

Danny La Rue, 80, told The Stage: “Alan was one of my dearest friends. He was a hugely talented performer and we worked so well together on stage. I have many happy memories of him.”