What better way for Jason Reid to herald the haunting chimes of Halloween than to have a transatlantic chat with performer, filmmaker and the queen of kitsch scream PEACHES CHRIST, ahead of the Hackney Attic’s special film night, which will screen a rare selection of Peaches’ movies, in her honour. All guaranteed to put the willies up you…
When did your appreciation for all things horror begin?
I think it was when I first saw the movie Psycho, at the inappropriately young age of seven or eight. I just couldn’t even believe what I was seeing. The shower murder scene of course terrified me, but the fact that Norman had such an intense relationship with his mom was what most drew me in.
Did Psycho trigger something within you?
Well the mother/son drag finale probably scarred me for life! Interesting though, I wonder if it did unlock something inside me? Shortly thereafter I tried to secretly watch as much horror as I could. I found Elvira on TV, discovered Freddy Krueger, and attempted to sit through The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Your fascination clearly began at a very early age, and grew over the years, but what would you say is at the core of that fascination with the genre?
I think I’m a sensitive person. Maybe one of those people that others describe as “too sensitive”. I sometimes have trouble with real world horrors like war and crime and poverty and abuse. The fantasy world of the horror genre really allows me to exercise feelings and fears in a safe, fun way. I’m also just attracted to darker, wicked subject matter. I’m not totally sure why, but I’ve always loved it and continue to.
Many mainstream horror movies are known for running to a tried and tested formula. As a filmmaker yourself, are there any personal rules you like to adhere to?
The only big personal rule for me is that it has to have a sense of humour. I don’t really understand humourless horror. Even Leatherface in the original Chainsaw Massacre has a bit of camp to him.
“I just don’t understand humourless drag queens. Believe it or not, they exist. I’ve met one or two. Now that is horrifying.”
I’m guessing you apply this to drag too?
Oh, I just don’t understand humourless drag queens. Believe it or not, they exist. I’ve met one or two. Now that is horrifying.
So with Halloween just around the corner, this must be a crazy time of the year for you? Do you have a strategy to get through it all unscathed?
I kinda look at October as my “one day at a time” month where I just put one foot in front of the other and go from event to event with a smile on my face. How could I ever complain? If I weren’t super busy this month I’d be worried. It’s all great stuff.
Absolutely, and it beats the alternative. Americans have a real love affair with Halloween. Why do you think that is?
It wasn’t always such a huge holiday, especially for adults. It became bigger and bigger in the late 80’s and 90’s and is now this massive thing for everybody. I think it’s partly because a bunch of us 80’s kids are now adults and we grew up loving Halloween and haven’t wanted to let go of it. So now we’re in a position to celebrate it in big, crazy ways.
Time to pin your colours to the mast now. Who’s your favourite horror actor of all time?
Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger is iconic perfection.
What’s the one question you hate being asked in interviews?
Hmmm, probably ‘what’s your favourite movie of all time?’ I just can’t answer that somehow. How can anyone pick just one?
Finally, any plans to come and visit us in London soon?
I’m hoping I can come back over in 2016 and do another show with The Amy Grimehouse. I love them.
• Christ Film Night is at Hackney Attic on Wednesday 28th October.
