Drag queens record special train announcements for Brighton Pride

Stephen Richards and Jason Sutton, better known as Lola Lasagne and Miss Jason, have both been part of the UK drag scene for over 25 years, performing shows in Brighton and across the country.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services, snapped the pair up to record special station announcements that will grab attention from commuters from August 1.

Miss Jason, left, and Lola Lasagne took control of the mic at Brighton station

Stephen Richards, who performs as Lola Lasange, said: “I regularly travel through Brighton station, so the chance to record my own PA announcements was too exciting to turn down.

“People from all over the UK travel to Brighton for Pride weekend and these messages help to welcome everyone to our glorious hometown.”

The announcements act as a reminder of the event taking place, whilst also encouraging people to check their journey plans before they travel.

On Saturday night of the festivities next week, there will also be specific messages about the rainbow queuing system at Brighton station to help those leaving the event to find the right queue for their journey home.

Jason Sutton, who performs as Miss Jason, said: “You know us drag queens - never ones to turn down an opportunity to get on the mic.

“It was so much fun running riot at Brighton station for the day and recording our own announcements.

“Huge thanks to GTR for letting us do our thing and for all their help in getting people to and from Pride.”

Miss Jason, left, and Lola Lasagne arriving at Brighton station

GTR will run an enhanced service over Pride weekend, with extra staff at Brighton station to help festivalgoers travel safely.

Ryan Massen, Southern station manager at Brighton and part of GTR’s Pride planning team, said: “Brighton and Hove Pride is an event we look forward to every year and we can’t wait to welcome it back to the city next weekend.

“We’re doing lots to help people travel safely by train and we thought ‘What better way to spread our travel messages this year than with the help of two well-known and much-loved drag performers?’

“If you’re waiting for a train in the southern part of our network, then listen closely to station announcements, as you may just hear a voice you recognise.”