Administrative/Biographical History

Ruby Venezuela was born Brian Pearce and raised in Plymouth, where he began his drag career. He relocated to London to work as a front window display artist at Harrods, but eventually left full-time to concentrate on cabaret. Venezuela was best known for hosting shows at Madame Jo Jo’s in Soho in the 1980s and 1990s. Pearce became artistic director of the venue. He also performed abroad, including residencies in Vienna in the late 1970s and Amsterdam in the 00s, besides other international locations. He also presided over his own Soho bar, Ruby’s on Gerrard Street, in the late 90s.

Venezuela continued to perform around London’s gay scene and at private parties and to host the Soho Festival up until a couple of years ago. Ill health led to him retiring to Blackpool.

Scope and Content

Papers of performer and drag artiste Ruby Venezuela, including scripts, song sheets, lyrics, programmes, cuttings, photos and audio cassettes of backing tracks and performances from Madame JoJo's and other events (1982-2003)

Quantity

3 Boxes and oversize items