Gay musical comedy performer Major Denis Rake was recruited by the secret services to spy on the Nazis during World War II.
The need for discretion was absolute – so he became a drag queen entertaining German officers in a nightclub in occupied Paris.
Such was his courage, surviving capture and brutal interrogation before escaping to freedom with the help of a priest, that Major Rake was awarded the Military Cross.
This little-known true story is being brought to the Edinburgh Fringe (as part of this year’s Army@TheFringe) in For Queen and Country, where it will be performed by Neil Summerville (“A wonderfully nuanced performer,” WhatsOnStage).
The play, which brings Denis to life through comedy, drama and song, is set around 1960 towards the end of remarkable career.
Despite his injuries Rake had returned to France in 1944, working alongside fellow Special Operations Executive (SOE) operative Nancy Wake to help the French resistance pin down huge numbers of German troops – preventing them from opposing the D-Day landings.
Later Rake became valet to Hollywood actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr before returning to the stage, often as an entertainer on cruise liners.
Writer Paul Stone, himself a former drag queen, said: “For some people the idea of going on stage is terrifying, and I know myself that appearing alone on stage as a drag queen feels especially isolating. But going out there in front of a room filled with Nazi officers would take stage fright to a whole new level.
“Denis Rake was an incredibly brave man – his story shines a light made on the contribution made by the LGBT community to victory over the Nazis in World War II.”
Lt Col Hugo Clark, Chief Engagement, British Army in Scotland, said: “It is wonderful to be able to support For Queen and Country’s Festival Fringe run, which brings this extraordinary story to light. I hope that the audience might be able to join me, soldiers from the Army’s LGBT community, and the creative team in post show conversation.”
Critical praise: For Queen and Country
“Delightful! Plenty of wit and humour.” Broadway Baby ★★★★
“Heart-warming. Wonderfully colourful.” G Scene Magazine ★★★★
“Well-deserved rapturous applause.” The Audience Club ★★★★★
Listings details
- Venue: Army@TheFringe, Hepburn House, East Claremont Street (Venue 358)
- Time: 20:30
- Duration: 65 mins
- Dates: 5-7, 9-14 August
- Prices: £12 (£10 concessions)
- Suitability 12+ (guideline)
- Booking: www.armyatthefringe.org/theatre
Cast and creatives
- Issyman Productions
- Major Denis Rake MC Neil Summerville
- Writer and director Paul Stone
About Army@TheFringe
Army at the Fringe first opened its doors in Hepburn House, an Historic Army Reserve Centre in Edinburgh’s New Town in August 2017. Army at the Fringe supports and sustains creativity at the heart of the nation’s capital, with an ambition to spark conversations about what The British Army is, and what it stands for in 21st Century society.
Since then, it has become a welcome addition to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, building a considerable reputation for innovative and engaging programming over the last five years. It has regularly presented shows that achieve huge critical acclaim and go on to enjoy major national and international success.
This year’s programme, Different Voices – One Team explores and celebrates the diverse people and perspectives represented within the British Army, and those of our allies, both past and present.
A quarter of this year’s productions at Army at the Fringe are pay what you want.
Facebook @Armyatthefringe
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Website www.Armyatthefringe.org
Pictures are free to use, please credit Issyman Productions
For media information contact Matthew Shelley at SFPR on 09786 704299 or at [email protected]or Matthew Christian [email protected], 07973 771089. See www.prettyboypr.co.uk