29/03/11: South London was your intrepid East London-based hack’s calling last Thursday evening for a trip to the Two Brewers, and the 7th Drag Idol Launch Party didn’t disappoint.
Hostess with the mostest Titti La Camp opened proceedings an hour late, leading one WAG to quip “the only girls who take longer than Essex girls to get ready are drag queens!” They don’t call it ‘drag time’ for nothing, honey! Former Drag Idol finalists Crystal d’Canter, Kelly Mild and Morag McDuff followed with entertaining numbers, showing how they’ve honed their craft superbly since first entering the competition, but arguably the best performance of the night was from last year’s runner-up Alexis Carrington who enthralled the throng with a powerful rendition of Whitney’s ‘I Have Nothing’. Finally, 2011 winner Son ofa Tutu showed exactly why she denied Sexy Alexi the title with a hilarious ditty about her “other” career as a lady of the night.
If YOU fancy entering this year’s competition, there’s still time to apply. Application forms are available at Two Brewers, Halfway II Heaven, West Five, The Victoria, 79CXR and Black Cap. Join them on their official Facebook group Drag Idol 2012. The final is at Two Brewers on 29th June.
Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Words and photos by Paolo Brand
Son of a Tutu was created for Drag Idol; not the year I won it, but the year before when, after a lot of persuasion from a dear friend and a single sentence from Titti La Camp, I decided to enter – against what I thought was my better judgement; never trust the judgement of an illegal immigrant in a dress! What a journey it has been. Since winning the competition last year. I have dumped the job I hated for this one, which I love, hosted UK Black Pride, co-starred in my very first panto, got better at applying make-up and lots of new frocks, worked with some of the best in the business and met so many new wonderful people. I am a Drag Idol fanatic and hope that the contestants this year, regardless of where they finish in the competition, have as brilliant a time as I am still having thanks to this competition; it is truly life-changing.
Well, what a fantastic year I’ve had since coming 3rd in Drag Idol 2011. I couldn’t have imagined how overwhelming and emotional the last year would be for this old Scottish school teacher and how I have progressed with bringing my chaotic but essential ways of teaching to the good boys and girls of London and beyond. I have met many new friends and been touched (steady!) by the many fans that have come out of their way just to have one of Morag’s memorable lessons. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and highly recommend if you are thinking of taking part in this year’s Drag Idol to do so. You never you where it might take you.”
2011 FINALIST ALEXIS CARRINGTON
Drag Idol presented the platform that I needed for people to see my talent and develop an appreciation for it. It is great having a talent but with no-one to see it or enjoy it, it becomes redundant. It has resulted in me getting shows in venues I would not dream of. I have learnt that one should never allow drag to consume them, but instead, recognise that the persona is a character that should be shedded the minute all the paint and the drag is gone.
