By Isle of Wight ObserverBritain’s Got Talent live semi-finalist and Drag Idol UK 2015 winner Danny Beard is set to blow the Island away with his award winning cabaret act.
Danny will get the main stage pumping before the likes of Gok Wan and Conchita perform at IW Pride on Saturday (July 21).
His 6.30pm slot is not to be missed, having been branded by David Walliams as a “super star” in 2016 during his Britain’s Got Talent run.
Since then the Liverpool born actor, singer and cabaret performer has been wearing many fashionable hats doing everything from social media influencing for online brands; to performing at international Pride events, corporate gigs, and stage appearances across the UK.
He’s worked with anti-bullying charities, such as The Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation, and Ditch the Label.
This year we saw Danny win several awards including Best National Cabaret Act 2017 from the largest Free LGBT Magazine in the UK.
“I like to try and make sure there is something for everyone when i’m performing at a Pride event and since this is such a special one I have a really nice set planned,” said Danny. “So expect chart, musicals and even a throwback or two!”
The IW Observer asked if Danny had been to the Island before.
“Are you flirting with me? Do you come here often?” He laughed. “I used to holiday here every year as a chid.
“My dad’s cousin has a lovely cottage in St Lawrence, right behind the old Rare Breeds Park.
“It made the most fantastic holidays as directly behind the house was an enclosure so we could open our living room window and each year would be a different animal in there, from large tortoises to pigs – you name it, we got to see it up close and personal.
“My favourite were the emus because they would stick their heads right in the window and have a right nosey around!
“I’m really excited to visit some of my old childhood haunts too, I remember being taken to the Spyglass Inn for lunch and loving it because it had a pirate skeleton.
“Oh and maybe the White Mouse Inn I loved it there. Not that I spent my formative years solely in pubs!”
Danny explained that for the last 12 months he’s been making waves in the pantomime community and was even nominated for best newcomer in the Great British Panto Awards.
“Which was nice because the others were proper famous people, not some clown from Liverpool,” joked Danny.
“I’ve also been touring the UK with my cabaret show in venues up and down the country. Oh and hosting some of the Ru Paul girls tours too! so yeah, it’s go, go, go!”
Britain’s Got Talent
Danny told the IW Observer about his 2016 Britain’s Got Talent run that helped to kick-start his career.
“It was such a life changing experience,” recalls Danny. “It really propelled me forward and opened so many more doors for me so I will always be grateful to that show.
“I mean, I never thought someone that looks like I do would be on mainstream TV – not because I’m not fabulous or anything – but just because I’m so freaky and out there to the average Britain’s Got Talent viewer – I didn’t think they get me!”
Danny has a message for everyone on the Island for this year’s Pride event.
“Pride events are not LGBT exclusive, they are LGBT inclusive,” said Danny.
“So no matter what your sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or whatever, please come and support your local Pride event – there is sure to be something for everyone, no matter how old or young. So let’s get together and have a fabulous weekend.”
A spokesman for IW Pride said: “This morning we have reached our maximum ticket registrations. Sadly, if you haven’t registered for your ticket for Pride, you won’t be able to access our Pride arena now.”
Organisers published a post on their facebook page on Wednesday (July 18) confirming the event is now sold out.
For more information visit the website here.
You can follow Danny across social media on @TheDannyBeard
