Jason Reid chats to Poppycock about DRAG and INSPIRATION
Smiley, happy dragling Poppycock is one of those characters that lights up a room and a stage as soon as they appear. She’s been performing as a drag artist for less than a year, but has already won Halfway II Heaven’s It’s a Knockout competition and made it to the semi-finals of this year’s Drag Idol UK. So, WHOOOO IS SHE? Jason Reid found out…
Who is PoppyCock?
Poppycock is a whirlwind of powerful vocals, impressive dancing and camp buffoonery. I am often described as lovable but also a bit of a psycho, which I am totally fine with.
Describe your performance style in three words?
Enchanting, fiery, unhinged.
What’s your aesthetic?
I’m the love child of a 70s disco goddess and a comic book character. My looks vary a lot but I am always drawn back to that heightened aesthetic.
When did you start performing as a drag artist?
I only started performing about eight months ago during this year’s Drag Idol. I managed to get to the semi-finals representing the Admiral Duncan and somehow got picked for the wildcard round, too. I didn’t get to the final, but I was surprised to get that far on my first attempt.
What makes you happy?
In terms of a performance: a crowd that is there for a laugh, so that I can muck around with them. In terms of life in general: carbs.
Fave song to perform right now?
I recently started singing “Dead Girl Walking” from Heathers: The Musical, and I’m obsessed.
Who are your drag idols?
Ooh thats so tricky. I tend to find myself drawn to other singing redheads like Jinkx Monsoon and Mary Mac. I also love to watch queens who are totally different to me, like Herr, Ripley and Meth. I love trying new things; it’s so important for me to look outside my own little box.
Fave performance from this past year?
When I was competing in It’s A Knockout this year there was this new number I developed. I’ve started playing with mixing spoken word lip-sync with live vocals and it’s gone down a storm at all of my shows. I took a classic song – We Are What We Are from La Cage Aux Folles – and mixed it with clips from The Birdcage. It has singing, comedy and a tap break (I actually do the tap) and I absolutely love performing it.
What haven’t you done yet that you’d like to do?
I would love to one day work on my own music. I find it tough to find songs that do everything I want them to, so why not write my own stuff? I also love the idea of being able to say that a piece of work is entirely my own.
Do you have a pre-show routine?
I don’t have anything specific, however I have noticed an unconscious pre-show habit that happens about two hours before a show: I start to speak extremely loudly and develop a high-pitched cackle. I think this is my mind telling me to warm up my voice. Unfortunately this cackle is creeping into my normal life as well.
What’s the best piece of drag advice you’ve been given?
I have been given so much amazing advice from a lot of great queens. There isn’t one quote that stands out, but the mantra I have taken on from most of the queens is ‘just have fun’. Honestly it’s the best way to view your time on stage; if you’re having fun then the chances are, so is the audience.
What’s the last West End show you saw? And give it a one-word review.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Emotional.
Fave new performers right now?
I am in love with Flick De’Bean. She is hilarious, camp and the loveliest person. We will be hosting a Christmas show together so keep your eyes peeled.
Which five artists would you invite to a dream drag dinner party?
Danny La Rue, Divine, Jinkx Monsoon, Rose Garden and Ripley.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I was nearly convinced to take up golf professionally as a child #masc4masc.
Poppycock’s Gingerbread House Party is on Monday 3rd December at Halfway to Heaven, 7 Duncannon St, London WC2N 4JF
