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Tag: Drag Queen Of London

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  • INTERVIEW | Drag Queens Of London: Violet Sparks

    We’re trying our hardest to keep the blues away now that London Live’s ‘Drag Queens Of London’s’ first series has ended, but never fear, THEGAYUK has exclusive interviews with some of the stars. We caught up with Violet Sparks to see how DQOL changed her life and why she’s giving up tucking.

    Since DQOL has aired, how has life changed?
    Hardly at all… which is exactly what I wanted. I wanted to be able to dabble in drag and learn of the fascinating world at my own pace and leisure.

    What are your favourite highlights from the show?
    Everything with me on obvs, but also every time Baga opens her mouth, and every-time Vicki Vivacious is on the screen. I could watch her on mute and still be as fascinated by her.

    Has being involved with DQOL changed you for the better for worse?
    Neither

    For the next series… What more would you, could you, bring to the show…?
    I’ve got a unique mix of a professional non-drag life with very average hobbies and interests juxtaposed with this crazy world of drag. Season 2 would catch up on whether I still have Violet in my life or not and what‘s next for her

    So should the UK have a Drag Race?
    Yes. I don’t watch the US version because it’s too Americanised. British people are funnier and we could relate more to the drag queens on it. Hearing British people faking American accents make me want to dive for their jugular.

    What are your thoughts on Jonathan Ross presenting it?
    He’s amazing but he should run a spin off show for the UK drag race, like Xtra Factor.

    As the war of the words rages on with RuPaul, Logo and Glaad surrounding the word ‘tranny’ where you do you sit on the matter?
    I don’t know enough to make a judgment other than all I can see is a war between a group of people being over-PC and a larger group with the ‘you can’t tell me what I can and can’t say’ mentality.

    To tuck or not to tuck? And if you do – how do you do it?
    I’ve given up tucking. In Episode 5 I gaffer taped it down and it HURT! They know I’ve got a dick, it’s too painful to try to hide that fac

     

  • INTERVIEW | Bourgeoisie

    Missing Drag Queens Of London? Well in our second instalment of our Drag Queens Of London Interviews we snuggle up with Bourgeosie to find out how life has changed and why Mrs. Doubtfire is her inspiration!

    Since DQOL has aired, how has life changed?
    I get recognised quite a lot, which is exceptionally surreal. From a couple in the Earls Court Tesco who proudly proclaimed to me that they were #teamBOUGIE, to random guys on Grindr. I’m becoming a major SUBlebrity. I’m also happily finding niches of the scene where being arty is celebrated.

    What are your favourite highlights from the show?
    My absolute favourite moments in the show have been my ridiculous one-liners. Re-watching conversations and interviews, its been interesting to see what the producers have thought are my wittiest moments.

    Has being involved with DQOL changed you for the better for worse?
    Absolutely the better. I had a great time filming and being a part of the show. After the show aired, I’ve had support from people all over the world reaching out and to affirm that they love what I do and my particular flavour of drag.

    For the next series… What more would you, could you, bring to the show…?
    I’m not so secretly hoping for a Familyyy Fierce spin-off. If there’s this much drama with just a group of unrelated queens, just think how much more there’d be in a Familyyy of queens with egos. If that’s not an option, I can definitely see the show following me in getting into producing nights and further expanding my career.

    As the war of the words rages on with RuPaul, Logo and Glaad surrounding the word ‘tranny’ where you do you sit on the matter?
    I have so many feelings about this topic, there’s absolutely no plausible way that I can answer it here. Perhaps Meth and I will put our #FFFeels together in a piece on the issue. (HINT HINT, GAYUK!)

    Is drag getting its 2nd wind?
    With the influx of new blood and innovative performers like myself, Meth, Ruby Wednesday and the rest of the Familyyy Fierce, I think drag in the UK is on the cusp of a change. I think Drag Queens of London has helped to expose a whole array of styles of drag that perhaps weren’t as visible before the show, and the British public are hungry for something they haven’t seen umpteen times.

    Who do you consider to be your drag Idol?
    My drag idols at the moment are this amazing latex Marnie Scarlett and my dearest drag auntie Holestar. Marnie speaks in the same visual language that I do and discovering her catalog of looks and performances has been an amazing process. Holestar is like my queer fairy godmother, enough said. Both queens are such amazingly kind, open-hearted people, its always a joy to see them perform or just be around them.

    The best drag movie is….
    I’m tied between Mrs. Doubtfire and Party Monster. The former was the first experience with drag that I ever had and I used to watch the movie nonstop as a child. Before the film I thought drag meant that you had to be aiming for a purely feminine illusion, but Party Monster was the film that made me want to start doing drag though making me realise that the illusion doesn’t have to be the goal.

    What’s the most common mistake for a new drag queen?
    Not wearing enough makeup: Invest in a good Kryolan TV Paint Stick and powder EVERYTHING. I personally think that if you can take off your makeup with a single makeup wipe, then you’re not wearing enough cosmetics.

    Is it easy to get into drag as a business?
    It’s incredibly difficult. It’s expensive as f**k, and for the first few years you have to spend loads of money supporting the craft before it starts to support itself. Frocks, lashes and wigs are quite pricey, especially if you’re uncomfortable wearing high street tat.

    If you weren’t doing drag for a living what would you do?
    I’d probably be working in some other visual artistic field, perhaps fashion or fine art. My training in university was in fine art and costume design, so perhaps one of those fields? I’d still quite like to go back to school for my masters and perhaps a doctorate. Dr. Bourgeoisie does have a ring to it. ;]

  • INTERVIEW | Lady Lloyd, Life after Drag Queens Of London

    Have you been missing your weekly dose of Drag Queens Of London? Never fear we’ve got an interview with a fierce queen or two – starting of with Lady Lloyd, who isn’t afraid to say how she feels.

    Since DQOL has aired, how has life changed?
    Dramatically! I find people hiding in shop doorways to avoid me!

    What are your favourite highlights from the show?
    Pushing Vanity’s piano over has to be the one. That show is such dirge! Everyone was falling asleep – something had to be done.

    Has being involved with DQOL changed you for the better for worse?
    Hasn’t changed me at all, apart from the roses that arrive on my doorstop everyday… it’s the other ones you wanna watch!

    For the next series… What more would you, could you, bring to the show…?
    Oh c’mon, more of the same, drama is never far away from me, and theres no denying Buffalo Girls have been a force of energy on the show.

    So should the UK have a Drag Race?
    Only if RuPaul does it, and Lily is too old!

    What are your thoughts on Jonathan Ross presenting it?
    I like him as a presenter, but it has to be RuPaul. It’s Ru’s baby and she does it so well.

    As the war of the words rages on with RuPaul, Logo and Glaad surrounding the word ‘tranny’ where you do you sit on the matter?
    TRANNY TRANNY TRANNY!

    Is drag getting its 2nd wind?
    It seems to be very ‘in’ right now, like back to the 90s when Ru was ruling. People will always love drag though, it’s just the media that dictates what the masses are ‘consuming’. At the minute the media is on it.

    Who do you consider to be your Drag Idol?
    Tasty Tim and Princess Julia. They haven’t had a night in since ’79 and are consistently fashionable and fabulous. My heroes!

    The best drag movie is….
    Definitely NOT Priscilla. The original La Cage is amazing, and of course Paris is Burning is an inspiration to so many. 10s across the board.

    What’s the most common mistake for a new drag queen?
    Shaving the eyebrows! It’s ok for an extreme drag look, and looks fabulous on real character drag but when the more femme queens do it, it just looks stupid. Women have actual eyebrows you know!

    Is it easy to get into drag as a business?
    No, very hard I think. Its still a niche market – there aren’t many jobs going, and most fail after a year or so, the hot new thing comes along in a while, but you never actually see them getting many paid gigs. I’ve been lucky that I have worked as a DJ consistently for almost 10 years now.

    If you weren’t doing drag for a living what would you do?
    Something in music, I went to the BRIT school and studied music, so I’m very happy that I have been able to work with music. If I wasn’t doing drag I’d probably have studied more production side, as it’s something I would love to do but can’t find the time in between hangovers.

    What’s the worst thing a drag queen could do to another?
    Pull their wig off – but it’s also the most satisfying. Ha.

    To tuck or not to tuck? And if you do – how do you do it?
    Never, I like it all on show, let them know what’s going on – front and centre.

  • Drag Queens Finale Tonight Episode 8

    The country’s most fierce drag competition, Tranny Shack Academy, comes to a climax as one aspiring drag queen wins the coveted title in a tense finale at Madame JoJo’s in Soho.

    But as one career is born the stage doors close on The Drag Queens of London as we see The Buffalo Girls and Vicki Vivacious pull off high profile gigs and a debut professional performance by Rosie Beaver’s best friend Nick as Violet Sparks.

    Hightlight quotes of the episodes:

    And quotes
    · “Poor Silver she has to put up with some shit, I tell you…sorry girl” – Lady Lloyd reflects on Silver’s tolerance.

    ·”I’m going to punch her in the f**king face when she gets here” – Silver is angry about Baga’s lack of punctuality

    · “There no party like a buffalo party” – Baga on The Buffalo Girls

    ·”I don’t actually think I’ve ever performed in a venue this Butch” – Vicki Vivacious on the prospect of performing at a straight pub in Watford.

    ·”They can’t spell cocktail let alone make one” – Vicki isn’t convinced of the sophistication of the clientele in the Watford pub.

    ·”No one or nothing is going to stop me from doing what I want to do” – Vicki gets fighting spirit.

    · “I don’t want to sit there and watch this, I want to be them – Ruby Wednesday is eager to break out in the drag scene.

    ·”Coming into the Familyyy Fierce, made me feel like I belonged to somewhere” – Ruby Wednesday on what the Familyyy Fierce means to him

    ·”You better be f**king ready because were coming to get you” – Ruby Wednesday on a new wave of drag.

    Drag Queens of London is on tonight on London Live at 10:00PM

  • Drag Queens of London: Episode 7

    Drag Queens of London goes global as drag troupe The Supreme Fabulettes head to European Gay Ski Week in France to perform to an expectant crowd of fans.

    The real drama unfolds away from the slopes as Silver Summers loses her voice before an important performance. With her band mates and tour manager blaming Silver for partying too hard, friendships becoming strained within the group.

    Meanwhile drag queen Rosie Beaver and Nick AKA Violet Sparks friendship is put under strain as they fight over the same man, but who will come out on top?

    TOP QUOTES:
    ·’It’s such a slick professional group’ – Vicki Vivacious on The Supreme Fabulettes
    ·’It’s like tweedle rough and tweedle rougher’ – Vicki Vivacious on Lady Lloyd and Baga Chipz from The Buffalo Girls.
    ·’I would rather get Gonorrhoea in ever orifice than be a member of them’ – Baga Chipz on the prospect of performing in The Supreme Fabulettes.
    ·’The sound that came out sounded like a dying seagull’ – Silver Summers on her vocal problems on gay ski week.
    ·’The idea of going up there and messing it up makes me feel sick. My heart was literally in my mouth’ – Silver Summers reflects on her performance at Gay Ski Week.

    Drag Queens of London continues tonight on London Live at 10:00PM on London Live

  • INTERVIEW | Rosie Beaver

    We catch up with Drag Queens Of London’s Rosie Beaver, who talks about dating and mating, why drag queens should never date each other and why App dating is sooo over….

    Tell me about your dating history. Have you had long terms partners, has it been short and sweet bursts, have you been single for too long?
    I’ve been single just over a year now, before that I was in a relationship with a lovely French guy to had to go back home to study. Since moving to london in 2006 I’ve had a varied dating life. I don’t know if it’s my probable ADHD or just the fact I’m fussy that has made it a bit of a struggle at times. I’m a big ol’ romantic at heart but I’m also a perfectionist so can’t settle for something that’s not right. As much as I enjoy a good night out, I’m very much a cup of tea and a movie person when in a relationship, I adore that feeling of going home and cuddling up, and when I’m single that’s what I miss the most- not having anyone to go home to. Becoming a drag queen, just over two years ago now, has made my dating life more complicated, plus the fact that my 30th birthday is creeping up on me I’m in this odd place of, let’s call it, despair, to be dramatic. I’d always had this notion of being 30, being settled in work and life and having a man there, so to be in such a state of upheaval it makes me a bit restless.

    What are the challenges when it comes to dating?
    The biggest challenge for me when it comes to dating is meeting people. Sure, there are plenty of apps and sites, but they usually lead to some quick sex and a speedy exit. My last few relationships have all been with people I met in social situations. It seems that nowadays a lot of people are only looking for a quick thrill, which I’m more than guilty of at times, so you never have the time to get to know a person. I enjoy bring a little old fashioned when it comes to dating, taking time and knowing someone is fun. It also makes the sex much better when it happens!

    People don’t talk anymore either- it’s a sorry state of affairs when you go into a bar and the only way you can talk to someone is through an app on your phone. When I realised I was gay (15 years old) it was when chat rooms and msn messenger and such were really taking off, so all of my dating life has been side by side and I’ve seen it go from talking and dancing in a club to sitting there texting and poking. I sound like I’m in my 80’s, but goddammit I want a conversation in life, not on an app.
    Dating is also expensive, to actually woo someone takes time and money: restaurants, drinks, theatre, it all adds up!

    What are you looking for in a partner?
    My biggest things I’m looking for are a damn good sense of humour and that indescribable chemistry. That feeling where you can’t wait to rip off someone’s clothes but also want to snuggle in front of a fire in baggy jumpers watching trash movies. I’m a big kid at heart so I need someone who can be silly with me and watch spongebob. Someone who has their own life, passions and interests, but shares and takes interest in mine… This is sounding like a personal ad…. I also enjoy long walks and knitting.

    Who is your celebrity crush?
    Oh I have so many- and they’re all the obvious ones. Zac Efron is looking hot right now, but for marriage I’d go for Joseph Gordon Levitt.

    How do you find dates? Dating websites? Through friends? On a night out?
    I used to use all the gay ‘dating’ apps, Grindr,Scruff etc, but have removed myself from them as it seems people are after only one thing, and usually when I logged on to them I’d be in the mood for something like that too. You get caught in a rut with apps like that. I have actually met a fair few guys from Twitter in the past. It’s a great site to chat away casually with someone and get to know them, their likes, and their sense of humour, then you can start to DM, exchange numbers and take it from there. One of my longest relationships (the one who when I get drunk I still Facebook stalk) started through a twitter follow!

    Have you had any horror/funny stories?
    There’s nothing worse than a stagnant date. I pride myself on being able to make dates fun, but there’s been a few where you sit there clock watching. Luckily no horror stories yet!

    What is their reaction usually, when you tell them you are a drag queen?
    Most people are a little unsure on the idea right away, but when you explain and tell them it’s a job and tell them that you DON’T want to be a woman (everyone asks that!) then it’s usually fine. A lot of gay men and drag queens have stories that are horrific in and out of the dating world, but I’ve been very lucky to have a supportive circle of family and friends throughout my life.

    Do you tell them upfront that you are a drag queen or leave it a while?
    I leave it a while, I always feel odd bringing it up. I think that’s my insecurities and fear of them not liking me than a judgement on the guys I date though. I want to find a man who like Chris, not Rosie!

    Have you ever dated another drag queen? If so how was it? Would you do it again?
    Nope, never have. It’d make it easier to date one as we’d know each other’s way of life and how demanding it is. I don’t think I would though as it’s also nice to have someone outside or the world you’re in to go home to and vent all your frustrations!

    If you were new to the dating scene – what would be your tips? Where would you go to find dates? Any good sites?
    Try and talk to people in life. Tell some jokes. Get your group of friends to join tables with another … There’s nothing better than meeting and giving your number to someone you’ve met in real life, and waiting til he texts (or doesn’t!). Speed dating is fun too- Village Drinks and 28 Gays Later are both great fun. If you do want to go online the Tinder app is the only one I use as it feels more social and talk based, as opposed to sending your cock shot as an opening line. Twitter too is as good as any site to chat and flirt…. And you can find boy me @chrisdclegg if you want to say hi!

    Drag Queens Of London continues tonight at 10:00PM on London Live

  • DRAG QUEENS OF LONDON | Shiz Gets Real For Buffalo Girls

    The Buffalo Girls – Lady Lloyd, Baga Chipz and Silver Summers – continue their quest for pop stardom but a disagreement with their new manager scuppers their plans.

    Band member Silver also has to deal with competing commitments as a member of family-friendly drag troupe The Supreme Fabulettes prepare for a nationwide theatre tour after a hiatus. Silver’s ‘frenemie’ and co-performer Vicki Vivacious decide to confront their long-running issues with each other.

    Meanwhile Rosie Beaver decides to date within the drag community as she steps out with a fellow drag queen and Tranny Shack Academy contestant Snow White Trash, but with two drag egos at play will it mean yet more heartache for Rosie?

    Drag Queens Of London continues tonight on London Live at 10:00PM

  • Drag Queens Of London Tonight – Shiz Be Going Down

    After the breakdown of her friendship with Munroe, Lady Lloyd puts the row behind her and sets out to boost the profile of her drag girl group the Buffalo Girls by looking for a new manager and writing what she hopes will be a hit single for the band.

    Meanwhile Rosie Beaver takes radical action to get her love life back on track, heading on the pull in drag with best friend Nick, aka Violet Sparks.

    And American drag queen Bourgeoisie’s confidence is shaken as she comes in the bottom two in the Tranny Shack Academy drag competition, but she doesn’t take it lying down as she confronts club promoters Dusty O and Walt.

    Key Quotes from episode 5:

    Bourgeoisie and Dusty:

    5.53 – “I’m still here….like, hello!” – Bougie about his commitment to Trannyshack academy

    6.40 – “Arty can be interpreted in many ways, can’t it?” – Dusty to Bougie on his ‘arty’ look

    8.18 – “I’m a f**king art Queen. You can’t take that from me” – Bougie on her look and style

    12.08 – “I’m like shamu the mother f**king whale” – Bougie about his performance that showers the audience with champagne

    27.17 – “You were saved…. and I saved you” – Dusty O talks about Bougie ending up in the bottom two but being saved

    30.51 – “And I’m sorry if she sh*t herself” – Dusty O about Bougie’s performance

  • INTERVIEW | Drag Queens Of London Lady Lloyd

    Star of London Lives’ Drag Queens Of London, Lady Lloyd, opens up about being homophobically attacked and how life has changed since.

    When and where exactly did the attack happen?
    It was when I was 15, and it happened as I was catching a late night train from Stansted Station into West End to see my best friend Siobhan Donaghy perform at G-a-Y when she was in Sugababes.

    How many people attacked you?
    3

    How old were they?
    They were the same age.

    Did you know who they were?
    I knew who one of them was, but the other two I never found out. The one I know for sure was put away for other attacks, and actually got a brain tumour and died. Now I wouldn’t wish harm on anyone, but you know – Karmas a bitch!

    Could you describe your injuries for me?
    Just completely bashed up! black eyes, busted lip and had my face cut open on my cheek. It was pretty horrific, I really think if it had gone to court it would have been attempted murder, as it happened on a bridge and they were trying to shove me off it onto the train tracks.

    What age did the abuse/bullying start?
    I guess it started when I started high school, but just words and stuff which has never bothered me. I was going out nightclubbing from 13 and hanging out with people 25+…I matured really quickly , I think i’m more immature now than I was then, and so playground bullying never bothered me, I used to play up to it really…I wore a Spice Girls puff jacket for goodness sake and had my own hair salon during lunch break! I had a great time at school, I loved it.

    Have you encountered any abuse/bullying since, in recent years?
    Not really, maybe some remarks here and there but nothing that stands out, but my friend, legendary nightclub host Phillip Salon, was brutally attacked and left for dead outside the GAP in Piccadilly, and the police claim there was no CCTV. On that corner in Piccadilly, Central London? I don’t think so. My attack happened in front of CCTV cameras, and it was claimed they just weren’t switched on. Shocking.

    When did you start dressing in drag?
    Probably when I was 16. But you know, we are born naked – everything else is drag. It comes in dribs and drabs – an eyeliner here, a heel there – I don’t really think of drag as a transformation, my clothes don’t have genitals, a man in a skirt, a girl in a nice pair of trousers it’s all the same.

    Do you think the attack has left any scars? Emotional and physical?
    I have a scar on my cheek and another on my hand, so there is that which isn’t pleasant, but some people like them. Other than that emotionally not really – I certainly gained in confidence and I think I have a really strong core and belief in myself , but I don’t know if that is a result of one attack or of living my life as true to my own self as I can, which I have always done, no apologies.

    HOMOPHOBIC HATE CRIME STATS
    The problem of hate crimes and incidents
    • One in six lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident over the last three years.
    • In the last year alone, almost one in ten lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident.
    • One in sixteen regard homophobic harassment or attacks as a big problem in their area.

    Drag Queens Of London Continues Tonight on London Live

    Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159

  • Drag Queens Of London Episode 3 Update

    The UK’s top drag competition Tranny Shack Academy kicks off and new drag queens from around the country flock to Soho to audition for a coveted spot.Joining the queue to perform for the first time is farm hand Jacinder from rural Derbyshire. More used to wellies than wigs how will she cope on the hallowed Madame JoJo’s stage infront of dozens of competitive drag rivals?

    Also facing this gladiatorial drag contest for the first time is super-confident American drag artiste Bourgoise, and office assistant Nick who creates his own alterego, Violet Sparks, with the guidance of good friend Rosie Beaver.

    Whilst the new generation of drag queens fight for a spot in the competition established performer Vanity Von Glow starts to question if there’s more to life than drag as she sets out to forge a second career performing as a boy.

  • DRAG QUEENS OF LONDON: Silver Summers’ Shock As Dad Revives Relationship

    London Live, the new 24/7 entertainment channel for London last night premiered the latest episode of Drag Queens of London, which saw Silver Summers (Bobby Houston) and his best friend Vanity Von Glow (Thom Glow) make a trip up to Bobby’s home town of Glasgow to perform in drag in front of his family for the very first time.

    Bobby is unsure if his family will come and if they do, will they proud? Clearly one of the most important gigs of his life, Bobby is undoubtedly nervous and is delighted to spot his mum sister and brother in law in the audience – though his dad is nowhere to be found. Tears of joy and sadness are shared amongst all the family, and Bobby cannot hide the disappointment. The episode ends with Bobby’s heart-breaking realisation that his dad cannot accept and support his own son’s career choice and it seems unlikely that his dad will ever watch him perform on stage.

    London Live can exclusively reveal that, after watching the first episode which aired last week (Tuesday 22nd April), Bobby’s dad reached out and said how proud he is of his son, and the pair have now reconciled.

    Bobby said “I was really surprised when I heard he’d watched the show last week. And when he got in touch to tell me he was proud of me it literally meant the world to me. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t anticipate it. It means so much to me. He’d always appreciated that I wanted to be a performer, but he never could have imagined that I’d find success as a girl. My Dad was born and bred in Glasgow. He’s such a Scottish Dad – ultra masculine – working in construction.

    We’ve been through stuff just like in every father and son relationship, but it’s been good in adult life. I think it’s difficult for him to see me in drag because I make such a convincing girl. He wants to see me as his son. It’s because of that he never allowed himself to watch my YouTube videos or see me perform. He just really didn’t get me performing as a drag queen. I’m so so happy that he now gets it and he’s proud of me, his son”.

     

    Head of Programming, Jonathan Boseley said

    “The entire team at London Live are delighted that the show has helped Bobby Houston revive his relationship with his dad. Drag Queens of London is compelling, funny and hugely entertaining and we are so proud that the show is making a huge impact and most of all it is literally changing lives.”

    YOU CAN WATCH BRAND NEW EPISODES OF DRAG QUEENS OF LONDON TUESDAYS AT 10PM OR WATCH ONLINE AT www.londonlive.co.uk