We’re very partial to the odd fierce, pouty, slightly unstable diva here at QX Towers… And we’re not talking about the ones in the office! So when we heard about new show ‘Drag Divas’, created and directed by Simon Gross, we demanded to know more! Jason Reid prized himself away from his freshly humidified Winnebago to chat with the stars: Tanya Hyde, La Voix, Baga Chipz, Rob Tucker, and compere, Mrs Moore…
So the new show is about to hit the West End. Give us the ‘big sell’…
Rob: Drag Divas is a musical extravaganza featuring some of the most popular music from the last forty five years. Personally, I have the daunting task of tackling the music of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James and Chaka Khan. And that’s just me.
La Voix: The most exciting thing about the show is that it’s starring genuine London drag scene artists, and not just West End performers, learning how to do drag. And I get to play my idol, Liza Minnelli.
Tanya: You’ll see some of your favourite divas paid homage to by great performers, and getting to see me trying to sing Kate Bush is worth the ticket price alone!
Baga: It’ll be a camp, glitzy, spectacle, with something for everyone.
Mrs Moore: And I’ll be hosting, as well as doing some routines with sexy male dancers. Quite simply dear; it’s gonna be fierce, fabulous and fearless. Have we sold it enough?
Sounds great. What connects you to the music and performance of your respective divas?
La Voix: Liza [Minnelli] never gives a half-hearted delivery. I’m drawn, in particular, to her stage presence and high energy. I like to have impact and own a stage, and it comes from hours of watching her.
Baga: I’ve performed as Amy Winehouse for the last two years and I’ve always been a huge fan of her music. She was an amazing talent and I just hope I do her justice. I’m also playing Geri Halliwell, who I have a special connection with, as I secretly have ginger pubes [laughs].
What do you think the real divas would make of your interpretations of them?
Tanya: Hopefully they are forgiving!
Rob: I hope they’d think I did them justice and I honestly think they’d love the show. You know the old saying – “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.
Mrs Moore: Yeah, I hope Bassey and indeed all the divas that we’ll be performing would think that we’ve got them right, or at least got there essence across. Ether that or they’d find it hilarious.
What do you think are the qualities that make a true diva?
Baga: Longevity, talent and the ability to survive. A true diva always makes a fabulous entrance and an even bigger exit!
Tanya: A female who is a survivor and has earned her place at the top of her game.
Mrs Moore: I suppose there are many words to describe a diva but essentially she has to have a massive set of balls!
La Voix: I’d say self-belief and a commitment to perfection. Not always being perfect, but damn well trying to be.
Would you consider yourself to be one?
Tanya: I think people who know me would say I am…
Rob: Yes. Although I’d never admit that in public. A true diva appears humble, even if she isn’t!
Baga: As a person, I’m common as muck, down to earth, simple and very Northern. I believe in treating people with respect. We all shit the same colour and everyone should be made to feel special.
Many divas are notorious for throwing ‘diva strops’. Any favourite ones from over the years?
La Voix: I think Diana Ross going ballistic on that BA Flight was a classic. I would’ve loved to have witnessed that.
Mrs Moore: Mine is ‘Bassey’ filming the video to ‘History Repeating’, with the Propellerheads and she uses that line: “Yes darling, but I’ve been standing in this gown for over three hours!” [laughs].
Rob: It has to be Mariah Carey going batshit crazy at a live show on MTV. You can always rely on Mariah for those ‘special moments’.
Who would you want to play you in a film/show of your own life?
Rob: Me… I mean, I could really use the work.
La Voix: Matthew McConaughey – We have very similar looks and body type…
Baga: Julie Walters. One of the greatest actresses this country has to offer and a fellow Brummy! Or maybe Su Pollard if Julie’s not available.
Tanya: Me! I’m the only one who can do me. Rose Garden could play me in later life.
Mrs Moore: Cheryl baker, Su Pollard and Marti Caine, with a sprinkling of Hilda Baker.
• Book your tickets now for Drag Divas at the Arts Theatre (6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JB) running from Thursday 9th August to Saturday 25th August. To book tickets, call 020 7836 8463 or log on to www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk.
• You can also catch a sneak peek of the Drag Divas at Two Brewers (114 Clapham High Street, SW4) on Friday 27th July from 10pm.
