Making Up is set in the late 1980s, framed within the gritty drag scene of London's east end. The short film stars BIFA award-winning Dave Johns, Jessica Ellerby and Carey Thring and follows Ted who is diagnosed with a hereditary illness. Ted must therefore reconcile with estranged daughter, Cassandra. However, being a celebrated drag queen, paired with the bitter feelings Cassandra harbours over their past, presents a larger obstacle for Ted to overcome.
Acting
Dave Johns transforms; dignity and sequins in equal measure.
Costume
Drag as character, not costume — every bead earned.
Director
Ryan Paige
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Dave Johns won his BIFA for 'I, Daniel Blake' — this proves he can break your heart in any runtime.
Late 80s East End drag existed in the shadow of Section 28 — Ted's visibility was itself political.
GB
