PROFILE: CATHY SPECIFIC

CATHY SPECIFIC A QUEEN WITH A DREAM

Arguably the best drag queen in South Africa (and Africa for that matter), Cathy Specific, has been flapping some delightful secrets into my ear. You know, she has done it all, travelled the world, performed all manner of sassy roles on stage, and has now in her ripe old age (the big 4-0) been living her dream of owning the most fabulous venue in Cape Town. Cathy yaps on about her path to where she is now, talking about her six years as a flight attendant for SAA saying, “We all know that queer folk make the best flight attendants and passengers are well aware of that.” Brendan van Rhyn (tucked inside of Cathy) is an attractive man who loves to spend his downtime in solitude, taking a break from Cathy’s love of the limelight, enjoying simple dining, at his favourite spots Mano’s in Greenpoint and Rick’s Café just off Kloof Street. Brendan also let slip that his guilty pleasure is buffalo wings at Spur, and he asked that I not mention it to Cathy, so shh! Having travelled extensively he loves both New York and London for their great theatre districts. He explains that as a musical theatre performer, show tunes flow through his veins and that’s what calls him there. Although, being such a sucker for the spotlight, he recalls Cathy’s most embarrassing moments tripping on garments during two of her performances at Madame Zingara, one during a not so grand exit off the stage! However, in contrast to this, his first ever professional production at the age of twenty-three remains one of the highlights of his career. Admittedly not a reader, his favourite book he ever read was the safety pamphlet on the Boeing 747. He also does not identify with the term activist, but wishes to send a clear By KEVIN DU PLESSIS message that the gay men out there who do drag and get treated with prejudice for it, even within the gay community, should be proud of what they are doing in playing a part in allowing all people to live their truth! Cathy performs as one in a trio of best friends called Cathy and the Trolley Dollies. “We are truly a one-of-a-kind group and have something very special between us! We have huge plans for the future!” Brendan with partners Christopher Dudgeon and Luanna Shonfeld opened Gate69 almost a year and a half ago and it has been thriving as a unique cabaret theatre in the heart of the Mother City. They have changed the way people experience a night out in Cape Town and it can probably be written down as a regret on your deathbed if you don’t visit this fabulous spot every chance you get! www.gate69.co.za

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