Then, in a bit of a break with tradition from Dr Sketchy’s past, Fanny Malone (aka Crimson Skye) led us into a bit of an old Cockney knees-up with a few music hall songs (there were song sheets – sadly, I’ve misplaced mine). Events were brought to a close by Red Sarah‘s strongman routine, complete with swinging spheres and a giant set of weights – and an equally impressive moustache. All in all a great night out, with a bit more variety (although, presumably in keeping with the strait-laced Victorians themselves, a bit less shedding of clothes) than the usual Dr Sketchy’s. Also in attendance this time were fellow cartoonists Cathy Simpson and Gerard ‘Ger’ Whyman. There’s even photos over on Flickr (er, including a couple of me…)

The next Dr Sketchy’s is this coming Saturday 20th March, at the Victoria pub, with doors opening at 3pm. The theme this time round will be the Caberet-inspired Berlin, set in the inter-war years. I believe tickets are still available, so maybe I’ll see you there!

Proceedings were comperéd, as ever, by host The Decadent Gent, who was accompanied by assistant Ditzy Diamond. First up, as last time, was a song from Cherry Fox who, appropriately enough, sang her take on the Altered Images track Happy Birthday, followed by a short 10 minute pose. The birthday theme continued with Willow Blue‘s routine, to the tune of both the traditional Happy Birthday To You and burlesque classic The Stripper, in a rather elaborate birthday cake outfit.

Suzie Sequin brought Hollywood glamour to proceedings (as she had at a previous Dr Sketchy’s), this time perfoming to Marilyn Monroe’s infamous rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr President. Cherry Fox returned for her second song of the evening, Lesley Gore‘s It’s My Party (probably better known in this country by it’s 80s cover version by Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin). The final set of the night was Sherry Trifle performing, er, How to Make A Sherry Trifle (and yes, there was whipped cream…). After posing for one set, Sherry returned for our last pose alongside the Decadent Gent and Ditzy Diamond.

In between proceedings, there was Pass the Parcel, where I won my only prize of the evening (er… a knitted Swiss Roll), but the cartoonists weren’t letting the side down, as fellow scribbler (and PCO member) Cathy Simpson won two rounds (admittedly with one of my brush pens. Again). There’s also some lovely photos of the day’s proceedings (and if you look carefully enough, you might find a few of me).

So, raise a glass to Dr Sketchy’s 1st birthday, and here’s to many more… starting with the next one, Victoriana, at the Victoria (where else!) on 16th January 2010.