Congratulations, Martha. You’ve only gone and bloody won Drag Idol! Startlingly obvious question, but how do you feel?
It’s all very surreal, but awesome. The moment I won it just felt clichéd and cheesy. It was like everything stopped and was going in slow motion. I was asking myself, “Is it really me?” I was just so surprised.
You’re far too modest for your own good. What does the win mean to you?
It means a fresh start and hopefully a successful career. This year’s competition has been a real launching platform. I think because last year’s winner, La Voix, blew everyone away so much, the profile of Drag Idol has been raised significantly. I’m so glad she wasn’t in it this year. I really wouldn’t have liked to have gone up against her! [Laughs] However, she is one of the most supportive queens on the circuit.
How would you sum up the intensity of the last two months?
Well, I’ve lost a stone and a half on the Drag Idol diet. I’ve bored my housemate to tears with drag talk – and considering my housemate is Vanilla Lush, that’s some feat. The camaraderie amongst all the acts has been just wonderful, too.
That’s nice, as some people assume the drag scene to be very catty…
My experience was quite the opposite. Everyone was so lovely and supportive. The whole competition had that feel this year.
You must have made some good friends?
I clicked so well with my fellow finalist Topsie Redfern, and also with Divina De Campo. I’m thinking the three of us should do a Fascinating Aida tribute act! [Laughs]
Why did you decide to enter again this year?
The difference for me this year was that I did it because I was ready and I wanted to. Last year I was being encouraged to do it by other people. After I met up with Jimmy Smith [Two Brewers manager] for a good chat in February, I decided the time was right to do it properly, with an intention of getting to the Semi Finals. So I looked through all my notes from last year’s judge’s comments, decided on my 50’s housewife look and went for it.
Tell us a bit about that ‘50’s housewife’ look…
Martha’s personality and look is solid now. It’s the faded starlet – with a splash of Joan Collins thrown in. I wanted it to be clear the minute I stepped out. Martha’s demeanour is aloof so that I don’t have to dance. I really can’t dance for toffee! [Laughs]
“The difference for me this year was that I did it because I was ready and I wanted to.”
Your act is musical based with a political and charitable vein running through it. Why is it important for you to highlight these topics?
I think if you have the opportunity and time to do it, it doesn’t do any harm to mention such topics. It’s more fulfilling for the old soul to do something positive – such as passing around a charity bucket – now and then. I work very hard not to be a cow, that’s not me!
You’ve also been involved with campaigning for the Equal Marriage Bill, which ties in nicely with your cover-shoot…
Yes, I went to the recent vigils and I watched the Gay Men’s Chorus sing for hours. They inspired me to go to the second day, in full drag. I waved my flag, chanted with friends and added my voice. More people should be there. It affects us all and people need to support equality.
So, apart from winning, obviously, what are your Drag Idol highlights?
Firstly, representing Halfway II Heaven, which was such an honour. Second, dueting with Topsie Redfern at your birthday party, which showed we could send each other up. And, third, the relief of knowing that I will never, ever have to compete and be judged again! [Huge sigh!]
A word from Kevin Freeman, who designed Martha’s bespoke cover dress, which was part of the prize, in just over 24 hours!
“As the final was on, and each act performed, I sketched four different designs, tapering each design to the different body shapes and personalities. I’ve made pieces for Miss Jason, so I’m used to working with drag queens. After I’ve added some colour to Martha’s gown she gets to keep it forever!”
• Photo by Alex Wightman www.forever-imagery.com
• Renaissance Couture: www.renaissancecouture.co.uk
