Davina Sparkle and CJ are two very different cabaret acts but both gals routinely entertain packed audiences all over the country. Jason Reid caught up with them ahead of their shows next week, at West London’s biggest purveyor of drag, West 5…
DAVINA SPARCLE
How would you describe yourself in just one word?
CAMP!
What should we expect if we came to one of your shows?
An outrageously funny show full of campness and dirty jokes, all mixed in with a ton of one liners.
Go on then, hit us with a gag. One of your favourites…
I just bought myself a Michael Jackson toaster. You put the bread in brown and it comes out white [laughs].
How devilishly hilarious. So if you hadn’t got into drag what do you think you’d have done?
If I hadn’t have gone down the sequined route then I’d have probably ended up being a chef (Michelin starred of course), as I was a hotel manger for many years prior to my drag career taking off.
Do you remember your very first show? And where was it?
My first gay gig was in the Queens Arms in Brighton. I loved every minute of it, although it was very different from the straight pubs I’d been doing before. It was a lot harder in some ways but easier in others. Some gay men see a lot of drag, so you have to be on-the-ball funny and with them all the way.
The comedy aspect is clearly a very important part of any drag show, but what other elements do you think are vital?
For me, the other most important elements are timing, getting the feel of the audience and generally being self-deprecating. Obviously you can’t please all of the people all of the time, but I believe that’s what generally makes for a funny and entertaining show.
So, who are your drag idols?
Phil Starr and Dockyard Doris. Doris was naturally very funny and a real entertainer through and through. Phil was unique; there will never be another Phil. His comedy timing was impeccable. Obviously, I adored Danny La Rue too when I was growing up. And of course, more recently, Lily Savage, who is one of the funniest comedians around. Anyone can sling some drag on, but being funny is a craft that you have to learn and hone finely.
What will your autobiography be called?
‘Blimey, you’re joking, all that tucked where?’ [Laughs].
CJ
How would you describe yourself in just one word?
Accommodating.
When and how did you first get into live performance?
I did my first professional performance at the age of ten, with a three-part harmony vocal group at school. Orchestras, bands and musicals have all been a part of my education and inspiration.
And how did you evolve into the CJ we see today?
The CJ you see today comes from my friendship with Lady Imelda; we met in Bristol in 2004 and did Glam Jam there for a year. We then went our separate ways until serendipity reunited us in 2009. Since then, with her help and encouragement, I’ve ventured into doing my own solo shows. I’ve still a lot to learn, but thankfully a lot of big acts are very appreciative and encouraging of what I do.
What could we expect if we came to one of your shows?
A man in a dress singing show tunes and fingering his large organ for the pleasure of the audience.
What’s the biggest buzz that you get from performing?
It has to be connecting with an audience through a particular song. When you communicate to them in such a way, they understand how you feel inside and what you’re trying to convey. It’s pure open and honest communication.
What are your musical influences?
So many things. I’m always learning. My tastes vary, from assorted classical, jazz, Motown, Stax, soul, 70s disco and any 80s pop (particularly SAW). And of course, musical theatre! I’m a massive fan of Sondheim. Sadly, very little in the charts these days inspires me, but maybe this will change one day.
You clearly have a wide and varied musical repertoire, but what, if you had to, would you pluck out as your favourite song/piece of music to perform?
At present, it’d be a song called ‘Meadowlark’ from The Baker’s Wife; it’s a song with which I really connect and audiences simply love it.
If you had carte blanche, what would be your dream gig?
It would be a toss up between my own show in Vegas or a nice role on Broadway.
• Don’t Miss the gurls at West 5 (Popes Lane, South Ealing, W5) next weekend, with CJ on Friday 14th December and Davina Sparkle appearing Saturday 15th.
