A drag queen collapsed and died on stage while performing his grand finale.

Alice Harlequeen, the alter-ego of painter and decorator Al Warwick, was performing the Barbra Streisand number So Long Dearie when he had a heart attack.

The tragedy left the audience at the Jack Horner pub in High Street, Worthing, stunned.

Paramedics were on the scene within minutes but were unable to resuscitate the 52-year-old.

Landlord Nick Heryet said Mr Warwick had recently returned to the stage to perform his popular act after taking time off due to ill health. He had a history of heart trouble.

Mr Heryet said: "He was a really nice, genuine person who put on a very funny show."

Mr Warwick became well-known in cabaret circles as one half of The Harlequeens double drag act with pal Phil Randall.

Recently he performed at a club in Gran Canaria and last year appeared on Australian television during a short tour.

Close friend Tony Page said: "Al was such a kind man and would do anything for everyone, sometimes to the detriment of his own good health.

"When he said he was going to start performing again we were a bit concerned but he loved his work so much he couldn't say no."