2 weeks Ago
THE city has come together to honour the memory of a cherished Brighton drag queen, marking the first anniversary of his passing. One year ago on Tuesday, (April 22 2024), Jason Sutton, known to many as Miss Jason, died at the age of 56. The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the community.
Across a 32-year drag career, he performed at Pride events across the UK, appeared on television and made costumes for other drag queens. In the wake of Jason's passing, the community came together to celebrate his legacy, honouring his contributions to the city's drag scene, activism, and charitable work. The Brighton Family Panto even renamed their theatre the Jason Sutton Theatre, ensuring his legacy endures in the arts.
(Image: The Argus) Additionally, the Cabaret Big Top stage at Brighton Pride's Fabuloso festival was renamed the Miss Jason Cabaret Stage, celebrating her contributions to the LGBTQ+ cabaret scene. There were also several tribute shows held at venues where he performed. READ MORE : Tributes pour in for Brighton drag queen Jason Sutton A year on, those who knew Jason have been fondly sharing their cherished memories of him.
Close friend and colleague David Polikett said: "Jason was one of my closest friends, it’s funny when people come into your life and you know you’re going to be friends forever. "I miss him dearly and I miss our private conversations and help that we used to give each other. "He was a real character and together we could be very naughty.
We would egg each other on sometimes to be quite outrageous. Drag royalty Maisie Trollette, Miss Jason and Davina Sparkle. (Image: David Polikett) "I usually don’t pour my heart out on social media as I’m quite private in that respect but I think about him every day at least once a day.
"Sometimes I still go to phone him when I have exciting news. "Life will never be the same without him however as I know he would say, life goes on and goes on it really does. "I believe we should remember him with love and respect, but he used to say to me that people should be left to rest in peace.
David and Jason were colleagues and best friends. (Image: David Polikett) "He was a great believer in God and attended church as often as he could and believed in the afterlife." Hundreds of Jason's friends have been flooding Facebook with heartfelt memories and stories, honouring his impact on them both professionally and personally.
Charity The Sussex Beacon, of which Jason was a patron, has paid their respects on Facebook: “It has been a year since the wonderful Jason Sutton passed away. "Known to huge numbers of people as Miss Jason, we were immensely privileged to have Jason as a Patron of The Sussex Beacon. Jason Sutton was a patron of The Sussex Beacon.
(Image: Sussex Beacon) "He was incredibly supportive of our work, often asking what more he could do to help us. "We knew him not only as an extremely talented and incredibly funny entertainer, but also as a very kind, intelligent and loving man who cared enormously about his community and particularly those closest to him. "Jason shall remain forever in our hearts.
"May he continue to rest in peace.”.
