Catching the eye at Alternative Miss World

Glamorous and glittering Montgomery residents took to the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London this month as renowned local sculptor Andrew Logan’s “Alternative Miss World” event celebrated its 50th birthday with - of course - a gold theme! 

Montgomery contestant Miss Filthy Lucra - Jamie Burt, with Deborah Simmonds assisting - was presented to the audience as contestant number 1 by Andrew and co-host, Jarvis Cocker.

The pair competed alongside another North Powys entrant, Miss Entitty (Rosie Hammick, who lives in Llanfechain and works with Andrew), and the eventual winner Miss Golden Girl (London’s Janet Slee).

Janet is Andrew’s sister, and has competed in every single Alternative Miss World since the 1972 inaugural event - winning for the first time this year!

In 1972, Andrew had an idea for a party which was inspired by the British dog show Crufts and, with Miss World being popular at the time, he wanted to create something that celebrated not those same beauty standards but transformation, creativity and celebration; a show that goes beyond gender, age, and nationality.

And so Alternative Miss World was born!

Andrew commented: “What we look forward to each time is an atmosphere of creative confusion and chaos.”

The Golden Anniversary celebration featured performances from David McAlmont, Barb Jungr, Drag Syndrome, Eve Ferret & Lenny Beige, and Jonny Woo.

Special guests included Grayson Perry and Bishi, and designers Dame Zandra Rhodes and Celia Birtwell were among the judges.

Jamie Burt said: “It was an immense privilege to perform on stage at Shakespeare's Globe and to take part in the golden anniversary of the Alternative Miss World. The event has a fascinating history, as highlighted in the film The Great British Guide to Showing Off. I’m especially pleased Powys was represented by Deborah, Rosie and me in this beautiful, colourful celebration of diversity.”

Deborah added: “It was a particular thrill to participate in this year's Alternative Miss World since Andrew was celebrating 50 years of glorious, inventive, creative mayhem.

“Although it is a competition, there is a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the competitors as everyone puts together their amazing outfits in the cramped Globe dressing rooms within a very tight time frame! There was also the thrill of coming out onto that fabulous golden stage with a truly colourful, enthusiastic audience. A riotous sense of love and togetherness for everyone!

“It was a once in a lifetime experience which we will never forget!”

Rosie said: “I have never felt more at home - having the space to express my creativity alongside such wonderful artists, performers and creatives.”

If you missed out on the event, the live streamed video is currently available via https://www.alternativemissworld.org/gold-2022

Recently, Andrew launched his book Reflections at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in Berriew. 

The event was also the Golden Homecoming of the Alternative Miss World 2022 Throne and Crown Jewels, and Alternative Miss World 2022 Winner "Miss Golden Girl".  

PICTURES (taken by Ruth Moucharafieh): Debbie Simmonds in full flow and Andrew Logan in glorious gold.