She is to elegance what Kim Kardashian is to quantum psychics and what she doesn’t know about battering a good old sausage isn’t worth knowing, Baga Chipz is currently the queen of Manbar, making us laugh like a leaky gutter every Thursday. This week Jason Reid caught up with her and drag pal Linda Bacardi…
Hey Baga, it’s been a while since we’ve caught up (officially). Tell us a bit about your Manbar shows?
Our Thursday nights have been going strong for about two months now. The show is full of camp classics, lots of laughter, games and of course ME! I always try and squeeze in some Cilla and Jane McDonald songs too. You really can’t make it up!
What do you like about performing there?
I’ve loved it there ever since it was 79CXR. A friendly venue with the perfect mix of punters.
It’s been a busy old year for you, what’s been the highlight?
OH MY GOD, it has to be performing with Jane McDonald at G-A-Y. Almost wet my bastard knickers meeting her.
Sounds messy. So how was that?
Amazing. She was down to earth and lovely, just as I’d imagined.
You’re clearly a big fan?
Oh yes, ever since she was on the telly, in The Cruise. I used to watch it as a baby Baga.
What was the first thing you said to her?
I couldn’t say owt, I had to stop myself from crying! It was the cherry on the cake of a great year. Working with the Drag Race girls, the TV show and also performing with Lily Allen were highlights too.
Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for 2015?
I really want to meet Cilla Black! And to perform with her would be great; she’s another idol of mine. Aside from that, I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. Oh, and Manbar have a new venue called Atmos Lounge, me and Ruby Venezuela will be doing a variety show there.
Excellent. I guess you’ve seen that the Supreme Fabullettes have added Courtney Act to the line up for a one-off show, who do you think would make a good fourth member of the Buffalo Girls?
Probably Adore Delano or Akaska 5000, as they’re quite outrageous like the three of us [laughs].
You’ve not performed as part of Poptarts (with Tanya Hyde) for a while; is that a partnership that will be resurrecting in the future?
Well, to be honest Jason, I’m just very busy at the moment travelling the world dear. Baga is very much in demand. [both laugh]. But seriously, Tanya is like me sister. And like any sisters, we fall out and make up all the time. So I’d never rule out a Poptarts revival. I’ll be like Mel B, ya minge teasing bastards.
You do make me laugh! Finally, I can’t let you go without asking you about the recent documentary you were briefly included in: Being Stavros. What’s your response to how you were portrayed?
They showed three seconds of a 90 minute show in that documentary. I took the piss out of plenty of people that day, including MYSELF, which is a key point. If you go to a drag show and stand at the front you should know what you’re letting yourself in for.
How long have you been performing as Linda?
Five years.
Why did you decide to become a drag artist?
It was my way of going forth and using my skills to entertain, knowing that somehow deep within, I could. It’s a constant learning curve. I already had a lot of association with high profile drag queens anyway, and have always been of an extrovert nature.
Who and what inspires you?
Originally, acts such as Sandra and Titti La Camp, and currently it’s the likes of Mrs Moore and Drag With No Name. What constantly inspires me is the way in which, as individuals, we can entertain people, and how it evolves.
How would you describe your act?
Quite old-school. A combination of feel-good songs, topical gags and audience participation.
And your look?
Befitting of my age: showbiz glam meets Myra Hindley.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your drag career so far?
Surpassing people’s views and expectations of me. Picking myself up, dusting off the sequins and moving on and forward.
Who is your Drag Idol?
Mrs Moore. She truly is a wonder to watch and behold. So humble yet so hilariously funny and inspirational.
• ‘Baga Chipz: On the Game’ is every Thursday at Manbar (79 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0NE) from 9pm. Free entry.
