QX Magazine

Forget Madonna’s garish and over-hyped Super Bowl appearance. Forget Nicki Minaj desperately trying to carve out a pop career based around dressing up like a tit and being controversial (it’s been done already, dear!!). You can even forget a radiant Adele cleaning up at the Grammys, showing the yanks how it’s done; because there is only one diva on our mind right now; ‘voice of a thousand fags’, wearer of turbans and Shirley Bassey fanatic, Mrs Moore.

You’ve been very busy of late. It must be an exciting time for you? Any exciting projects coming up?

Yes, I’m a very busy bee right now. I have my residency every Sunday at Halfway to Heaven, which is a joy, as well as shows coming out of every orifice. I’m also currently in rehearsals with the award winning Drama Queens, for a new production at the Two Brewers next month, called the ‘DQ’s on K & E and All That Jazz’. It’s a tribute to the masters of musical theatre: Kander and Ebb.

Sounds like a great show. You’re a big fan of musical theatre, which is reflected in your shows. What draws you to this genre of music?

Well, every queen loves a show tune don’t they, dear? I also find that musical numbers are more suited to my voice. I’m way too raspy to be singing Rihanna.

So, which current West End role do you think would most suit you and your style?

I would quite like to play Velma Kelly in Chicago; although some queens might say I would be better off in Shrek… as Shrek! [Laughs].

You’re also a huge Shirley Bassey fan and well known for your rendition of her song ‘After the Rain Has Gone’, which is a truly beautiful song. Does this song, and Shirley Bassey’s music, hold any special meaning to you?

Thank you. I adore everything about ‘The Bassey’. When I sing ‘After The Rain’ around the anniversary of my mums death it always chokes me up a bit more than usual, but so many of Bassey’s songs are emotional in that way.

I totally understand. On to your very unique ‘look’. How would you describe it in three words?

Just ask Jamie.

I see, Jamie, your make-up artist? Clever plug, dear! On to idle gossip… A little birdie tells me that you received a secret Valentine from an adoring fan. Have you tracked them down yet for a grope?

No, not yet, but the roses are in my kitchen in full bloom. They are beautiful, but I will find out who sent them – and get that grope!

You do have a very loyal fanbase. How important is that to you?

It’s wonderful to have dedicated, real fans who come and see me every week and follow me to new venues – they must be mad! But no, seriously, I always appreciate people coming to see my shows at it makes me think I must be doing something right for them to come and see it more than once.

You come across as a very endearing, larger than life character. What would you like your drag legacy to be?

Gosh…erm… the drag queen that sang beautiful songs, I guess. That’s a play on my catchphrase: “Beautiful song, beautiful song” [chuckles].

• Don’t miss Mrs Moore packing ‘em in and belting ‘em out every Sunday from 7pm at Halfway II Heaven (7 Duncannon Street, Charing Cross, WC2N).

Mrs Moore’s dream dinner party guestlist…

HIH Regina Fong – Because I miss my mate.

Lily Savage – He is just such a great storyteller.

Danny La Rue – Just so I could hear him say “25 years”.

Phil Starr – For those fantastic jokes.

The D.E Experience – So he can do his Kenneth Williams impression for me, because it’s fabulous.

Mrs. Moore’s Top 5 Bassey Tunes…

1. ‘After The Rain’ – Because I adore singing it.

2. ‘Something’ – It melts my heart.

3.‘Moonraker’ – It totally works for me.

4. ‘Where Do I Begin’ – The arrangement is fierce!

5. ‘Almost There’ – Because I’m learning it at the moment, so I can include it in my show. Ssssssssh…