Last weekend was hot, hot, hot so we sent our cabaret reporter Jason Reid along to interview a performer that always get’s the boys hot under the collar. Just like the big superstars – Madonna, Cher, Rihanna, Prince, Lulu – this legend of the drag world is known simply by one name… Sandra.
We caught up with ‘the whore of Hampstead Heath’ in a sweltering dressing room after one of her many shows. (It’s all glamour you know…)
Great to see you Sandra, as always. You currently have an ongoing residency at Central Station, Kings Cross on Wednesday nights. How is that going? Must be home from home right? 
I absolutely love performing at Central Station on Wednesdays. As a venue it’s just like me, sleazy and dirty-minded, but it’s also a really easy going place as no one gets offended by ANYTHING I do onstage, so I have more freedom than I do at some other venues.
We have guests every week from the cabaret world and the West End.
Do you ever get tempted to sneak downstairs after for a cruise?
Of course! You know me… Need I say more.
I can imagine. So, what did you do before you became a drag queen Sandra, and how did it all evolve into the ‘Sandra’ we see today?
I was a dancer in Starlight Express, and worked in theatre from eighteen, and then I was in a show in the Edinburgh Fringe called ‘You Come To Love Your Sperm Test’. Very apt.
Lily Savage approached me to enter a talent show at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I did so well in the contest and was encouraged by it, so then I really started to seriously dabble in drag.
In 1985 I met Lucia, and we began our double act ‘Sandra & Lucia’ at The Black Cap, thanks to Jimmy Smith, on Sunday afternoons. It was called ‘Corruption’. That lasted for over ten years, then, one night, I did a guest spot at Sassey Strykers’ show at The 2 Brewers and Jo from the bar spotted me and gave me a residency.
I turned live from then, as most act’s mimed in those days. And so Sandra really was born then. Over twenty-five years later and I love every single moment of what I do.
Who are your favourites on the scene these days?
D.E Experience, Titti La Camp, Kandi Kane Baxter, Drag With No Name, Miss Jason, Son Ofa Tutu, Alexis Carrington, Mrs Moore, the Boy George Experience, Dave Lynn and Baga Chipz are my favourites. Amazing performers, all of them.
Who are your ‘Drag Idols’ and inspirations in the drag world?
All of the queens that were first out on the scene in the 80s really inspired me: Regina Fong, Lilly Savage, David Dale and Adrella. The advice they gave me set me up so well.
What one piece of advice would you give to any new performer?
Always be yourself. Stay very true to yourself. Do not try to please everyone, as you can’t. Most of all, be unique.
Very sound advice. Can you sum your act up in five words?
Trashy, slutty, whore, whorey and whorish! [Chuckles like mad]
Quite a description! Got any special, ‘Sandra’ style, cruising top tips?
Never swallow, it’s better for the skin, always bring a clean pair of knickers in your handbag just in case of ‘accidents’ and ALWAYS play safe – no bareback mountain. Be responsible and enjoy every second, just like I do.
Oh Sandra, I can just see the QX team shrieking with laughter at that… but sound advice girl. Finally, you are throwing a dream dinner party for five drag guests. Who would they be, living or dead?
Regina Fong, she was sensational at what she did and just lit up a room in every way. Baga Chipz, because she is a right slag like me. Titti La Camp, Millie Turner and Nicky Vixen [aka cabaret group ‘The Dolly Mixtures’] as we all perform together and are very dear friends. I have been close to them from the start of my career. We would all end up getting blind drunk and reminiscing I bet.
Sandra performs at Central Station (37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1 9SD) every Wednesday night.
Also at the Two Brewers (114 Clapham High Street, SW4) every Sunday, and various venues across London and nationwide. Check QX for listings.
