A show parodying cult 1981 movie Mommy Dearest in Manchester this week has been cancelled following the tragic death of co-star and legendary San Francisco drag queen Heklina.
Mommie Queerest, starring Peaches Christ and Heklina, was set to take place at HOME from Wednesday (April 5) until Saturday (April 8) following a run at London’s Soho Theatre last week.
Peaches - who also hails from San Francisco - posted on social media to say co-star Heklina, 54, was found dead in London on Monday morning (April 3).
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Taking to Facebook, Peaches wrote: “I am shocked and horrified to bring this news to you. I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers just now. This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is co starring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead.
“I do not know the cause of death yet. I know this is shocking news and I am beyond stunned, but I wanted to let folks know what has happened. Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community. I am a mess.
“Given this crisis, please do not try to contact me as I am utterly heartbroken, stunned, and focusing on what needs to get done next. I shall be in touch.”
Heklina, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, moved to San Francisco after spending time in Iceland. The star's drag name came from the Icelandic volcano Hekla.
The star - whose real name is Stefan Grygelko - found notoriety in the 1990s after hosting club nights at venues like The EndUp and The Stud. Her weekly show, Mother, was regularly attended by stars including Lady Gaga.
Over the years, Heklina has performed in shows across the world and worked with the likes of comedian Margaret Cho and Go-Go's singer Jane Wiedlin. She has also appeared on The Ricki Lake Show and Jerry Springer.
RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Bianca Del Rio, Jinkx Monsoon and Shea Coulee were amongst those who took to social media to pay their respects. Trixie Mattel said: “Icon! Heklina was punk rock and made drag what it is today. Legend.”
Divina de Campo posted on Instagram: “Oh god I’m so so sorry to hear this. Sending you so much love.” The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star added on Twitter: “Such sad news RIP Heklina x”.
Manchester drag queen Anna Phylactic, who was due to perform in Mommie Queerest, wrote: “Oh Peaches! Sending all the love! So very very sorry to hear this.”
The show's listing on the HOME website has since been taken off, and those who purchased tickets have been told they will be sent more information about refunds in due course.
In a joint statement, Soho Theatre and HOME said: “Soho Theatre, HOME and Tim Whitehead are in shock and incredibly saddened with news of Heklina's passing.
“Our thoughts are with Peaches, Mommie Queerest company, Heklina's family, friends + their wider community. Together with HOME we’ll be in contact with audiences tomorrow.”
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