The quality of being ‘camp’ can best be described, in short, as something/someone that is amusing because of an extravagant behaviour or performance. In recent years it’s come under criticism from modernists who believe it to be an outdated and jaded art form which conforms to stereotypes. However, camp performers come in many guises and have been a part of our cabaret scene and mainstream entertainment for many years, and they continue to be so. One of those being the fabulous Miss Jason. This week she takes a stroll through the decades with Jason Reid, highlighting the many forms of camp that influenced her along the way…
1970s: Mrs. Slocombe
Watching her deliver slick innuendo on the TV show ‘Are You Being Served?’ was one of my first memories of camp. She had a big impact on the character of Miss Jason you see today. As a kid I used to scream with laughter at the pussy jokes and I adored her multicoloured hair. There was a lady who worked in our local department store on Fratton Road, Portsmouth, who looked just liked her; I remember asking her one day how her pussy was. My mother was horrified!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Well, firstly, it had the amazing Angela Lansbury in it. And second, the idea of twisting a knob at the end of the bed and going wherever you wanted really appealed to me. However, for years since, I’ve been twisting ‘knobs’ at the end of the bed and they haven’t got me to where I want to be. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
1980s: Larry Grayson
Hosting the Generation Game with Isla St. Clair, Larry was magnificently funny. He had a special way of controlling the show whilst putting the contestants at ease. I try to do the same in my own shows. The viewers then didn’t really know or care about his sexuality. He was a pioneer of camp comedy and entertainment.
“The Only Way Is Up” by Yazz
A super-kitsch song that reminds me of being a sixteen year old on Barry Island as part of a YTS scheme (bizarre I know!). I’d never met an openly gay man until then. His name was Adam and I fell in love for the very first time. Before that I had no idea I was gay, I just thought I was a little bit different from other boys.
1990s: Lou Beale
She was the matriarchal head of the Beale family in Eastenders. A strong woman, whose approach to life I respected greatly – everything was either black or white/right or wrong. I wouldn’t say my own views are as narrow, but I do hold strong opinions. And like Lou Beale, if you get on my tits, you’re a goner [laughs].
Steps
Particularity the song ‘Tragedy’, which got camp Britain tapping their toes and jigging around like crazy. They taught me that with good sound/staging and clever lighting you could get away with anything onstage.
2000s: Julian Clary
A comedian who screams camp! He’s been around since the 80s and made a welcome return to the mainstream in 2012. I admire his ability to stay true to himself and his belief in comedy, even when it’s to the detriment of his career (the Norman Lamont fisting joke at the 1993 Brits). A few years ago when I had a heart attack he sent me a lovely tweet, too, which nearly gave me another one, dear!
Brokeback Mountain
Hairspray
Two rufty-tufty gay cowboys on the side of a mountain, frolicking in Doris Day gingham and tight jeans. It brought out my butch side… momentarily; that is until Hairspray came along. John Travolta as Edna Turnblad reminded the world that big camp girls have the most fun.
2010s: Alan Carr
He just has it, doesn’t he? Chatty Man is a brilliant show, and he’s the one who makes it so. I’d love to be a guest one day. Mind you we wouldn’t be drinking any of that cheap plonk he dishes out, we’d be on Jägerbombs all the way.
Strictly Come Dancing
It won’t be the same without Bruce Forsyth hosting. Don’t get me wrong, Tess Daly is good, but just don’t get me started on that Winklewoman, dear! Thanks to Strictly my house is now full of pink chiffon and mirror balls. The doorbell even plays the theme tune!
