THE A_Z OF CABARET

Jason Reid presents a beginner’s guide to London’s gay cabaret…

 

A

Alternative

London’s alternative cabaret scene is unparalleled for talent and quality. From surrealist performance art through to political satire via observational stand up – it’s all here in the capital.

Present alternative performers on our radar:  Alp Haydar, Blanche Dubois, Boogaloo Stu, Baghdad’s Got Talent, Bourgeois and Maurice, David Hoyle, Dusty Limits, Dickie Beau, Holestar, Jonny Woo, John Sizzle, Ma Butcher, The Lipsinkers, La JohnJoseph, Le Gateau Chocolat, Rhyannon Styles, Scottee, Timberlina.

 

Accessories

No look – drag or alternative – is complete without accessories. Whether you are in the ‘less is more’ camp or the ‘drape me in diamonds ‘til I fall over’ camp, most performers pontificate over earrings, lashes, necklaces, boas and random apparel meticulously.

 

B

Burlesque 

A feast for the eyes that brings out the inner vixen-like temptress in us all. London has some of the edgiest and most acclaimed burlesque performers: Chaz Royal, Ginger Blush, Kiki Kaboom, Laurie Hagen, Miss Cairo, Ophelia Bitz, Penny Arcade, Princess Betty North, The Folly Mixtures.

 

Brighton 

The camp seaside town of Brighton has been synonymous with churning out some of the best and most established cabaret artists for decades.

Drag is well and truly part of Brighton’s make up: Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle, Drag With No Name, Lee Tracey, Lola Lasagne, Lady James, Miss Jason, Maisie Trollette, Phil Starr, Sally Vate, Tammy Twinkle.

 

“Maisie Trollette started the drag revolution in Brighton. Since then it’s just exploded. It’s like living in the Sussex version of Eastenders.” –  Dave Lynn

 

C

Comedy 

You’ve had a shitty week at work; the office bitch has been on your case for overusing the hole punch (in your head you’ve been using it on her face). You need to laugh – like real big belly laughs. Never fear, the scene has some of the best natural comedy acts around.

Present: Bette Rinse, David Mills, Drag With No Name, David Dale, Jayde Adams, Lola Lasagne, Laquisha Jonz, Miss Jason, Myra Dubois, Pam Ann, The Duchess, Saucy Sophie, Scott Capurro, Sassy Stryker, Tina C.

Past legends: Dockyard Doris, Lily Savage, Mrs. Shufflewick, Phil Starr, Mark Fleming.

 

Catchphrases

The simplest of phrases or even words can become an artist’s tagline. Whether they are pre-planned or happen purely organically, they’re damn addictive and have the power to add a defining element to any act.

  • ‘Jungle red’ – HIH Regina Fong
  • ‘Whoooooo?’ – Charlie Hides
  • ‘Love you long time’ – Lady Imelda
  • ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’ – Sandra
  • ‘You F’coffee?’ – Pam Ann

 

D

Drag Idol

The talent search like no other! Drag Idol was conceived back in 2005 and nine years on has grown into a mammoth competition encompassing twenty-two venues around the whole country, with a top prize equivalent to £5,000.

Former winners Kelly Mild, Tanya Hyde, Kevin Cruise, Baga Chipz, Son of a Tutu and La Voix saw their respective careers catapult as a result of winning. The London heats of this year’s competition kick off on April 16th.

 

Divas

The music and attitudes of the likes of Amy Winehouse, Diana Ross,  Dorothy Squires, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Holiday, Bette Middler, Cher, Madonna, Tina Turner, Edith Piaf, Whitney Houston, amongst many others, have been a driving influence behind many a cabaret performer of past and present.

The following acts continue the great divas’ legacy within their shows: Al Pillay, Alexis Carrington, Baga Chipz, Ceri Dupree, CJ, Dame Julie Paid, D.E Experience, La Voix, Lady Imelda, Mary Mac, Laurie La Re, Mrs. Moore, Tanya Hyde, Tiffaney Wells and Mzz Kimberley.

 

Double acts

These acts bounce off each other like Olympic table tennis champions. They’re so in sync that they’ve almost morphed into one person.

Present acts: Bourgeois and Maurice, CK, Glam Jam, Poptarts, Rinse Out Your Haggis, The Trollettes, Topping and Butch, Two’s Company, Sister Acts.

Past legends: Hinge and Bracket, The Harlequeens, Two Tons of Fun, Trashville Tennessee, Double D.

 

E

Ensembles

As with double acts, ensembles need to work together tightly. Choreographing, rehearsing and performing to within an inch of their life. The work of an ensemble is not an easy one but the final product, if done right, can be quite spectacular.

Present ensembles: Buffalo Girls, Band with No Name, Drag Divas, Drama Queens, Fascinating Aida, London Gay Big Band, Masquerade, Oompah Brass, The Supreme Fabullettes, The Lipsinkers, The Folly Mixtures, Supasista.

Past legends: Triple X (Regina Fong, Sandra Hush, Heather), Dolly Mixtures (various members), LSD (Lily Savage, Sandra Hush, David Dale), Way Out Girls, Twisted Sisters (Sandra, Lucia and Millie Turner), The Dissappointer Sisters.

 

 

F

Film

The world of cabaret and the artists that inhabit it have been depicted in the mainstream film industry many times. The most well known of these, being ‘Cabaret’ which was released in 1972, starring Liza Minnelli – and loosely based on the 1966 Broadway show of the same name by Kander and Ebb. Minnelli and director Bob Fosse were both awarded Academy Awards the following year. Forty years on and if you wander along to a drag/cabaret show, the chances are you will still hear some of the songs that made Cabaret the enormous success it was. It’s often said that title song ‘Cabaret’ is the most sung song on the cabaret circuit (which is quite obvious when you think about it).

Other films that have been based around cabaret/drag, in some way, are Priscila: Queen of The Desert, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus (which featured revered NYC cabaret artist Julian Vivian Bond), Victor Victoria, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hairspray; as well as, of course, the cult John Walters films starring Divine.

Alternative performer David Hoyle starred in and directed black British comedy Uncle David in 2010 and, quite famously, Dave Lynn made an appearance as himself, at former gay boozer The Gloucester in Greenwich, in Beautiful Thing, 1996 (the year I left school *laughs*). The film became a real queer-favourite and is still held in high regard as one of the landmark British gay films of all time.

 

G

Getting the audience involved

There’s some shows you don’t go to simply watch – you’re right in there, part of the action. Audience participation can range from a genial sing-a-long to possibly having a manic bearded tranny gyrating up and down your leg (yes, we mean you Sandra) – in front of a hundred people. You have been warned! These artists love to get the crowd going: Cookie, CK, Dame Julie Paid, Lady Imelda, Tiffaney Wells, Rose Garden, Sandra, Titti La Camp, Jonny Woo, Ma Butcher, Timberlina, John Sizzle, Son of a Tutu.

 

Glitter

Simply because it gets everywhere, even on this list.

 

H

High Camp 

Yes, dear! ‘Camp’ is a very British word – meaning to behave in an ostentatiously effeminate way. High camp is basically an extenuation of that. Whether it be the glimmering, outlandish frock, draped sequinned boas or the nuances and intonations of the performers’ speech and language. High camp acts are usually fairly traditional and are heavily influenced by the camp cabaret greats of yesteryear. When you’re amongst this contagious breed of drag you will laugh like you’ve never laughed before, but be warned you’ll find yourself saying ‘Dear’, subconsciously, in everyday conversations (trust me – I know!).

Present day high campers: Adora Dix, Baga Chipz, Bette Rinse, Ceri Dupree, Candy Slag in Drag, Crystal Candyfloss, Dame Vesta Bules, Davina Sparkle, Dame Julie Paid, Drew Christie, Dolly Diamond, Lady La Rue, Maisie Trollette, Miss Jason, Titti La Camp, Tiffaney Wells, The Duchess, Saucy Sophie.

Past legends: Cher Travesty, Crystal Waide, Danny La Rue, Maisie Trollette, Phil Starr, Ruby Venezuela.

 

I

International

Catch them while you can. One week they’re in London, the next in New York and the following Friday they could be in Sydney.

We get out of breath just thinking about the miles these sought after globe trotting acts travel for their fans: Dina Martina, Dixie Longate,  La JohnJoseph, Le Gateau Chocolat, Pam Ann, The Supreme Fabulettes.

 

Innuendo and Influences

Innuendo, double entendres and suggestive language, without vulgarity, have played, and still do today, a large part in camp stand-up cabaret routines and performances.

Mainstream innuendo influences such as Frankie Howerd, Dick Emery, Larry Grayson, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett and John Inman led the way in their field, duckie…

And who can forget the legendary Mrs. Slocombe and her pussy:  “I hope this isn’t going to take long, Captain Peacock.  The last time I was late, a fireman had to climb out of my bedroom window and risk his life on a narrow ledge tryin’ to grab hold of my pussy.”

 

Impersonators

The queens that flawlessly mimic famous performers and celebrities.

You may have to take a second glance and clear out your lug-holes, as they’re the cream of the crop in mimicry: Boy George Experience, Ceri Dupree, Charlie Hides, David Dale, D.E Experience, La Voix.

Past legends: Andre Adore, Cher Travesty, Jeff Kristian, Pip Morgan, Candy Du’Barry, Steffan Whitfield.

 

J

Jokes

Two good old-fashioned gags from two cabaret greats:

Mrs. Shufflewick – “I’ve just found out the landlord here is an Irish count – at least I think that’s what the barman called him. And I think he said his wife’s a Protestant up the West End”

 

Phil Starr – “My first husband died of alcohol… I came home drunk and shot the bastard!”

 

 

K

Killer Heels and Kinky Boots.

They set off the fiercest of queens’ looks. You don’t see many cabaret divas prancing around the stage in flats, so heels and the strut and poise they add are as important an element as the choice of weave or colour of slap. And for some girls the bigger the heel the better they feel: Baga Chipz, CK, Tanya Hyde, John Sizzle, Rose Garden, Vanity Von Glow.

 

L

Legends

A word that is thrown about all too commonly these days is ‘legend’ but in the case of this select group of performers it couldn’t be more apt. They have/had huge followings and led the way in the cabaret world, and changed the face of it, paving the way for many of the performers we watch regularly today.

If your name is still commonplace forty-fifty years on then you know you’ve done something very right: Bette Bourne, Mrs. Shufflewick, David Dale, Dockyard Doris, Lee Paris, Phil Starr, Mark Fleming, Maisie Trollette, Lily Savage, Danny LaRue, HIH Regina Fong, Dissapointer Sisters.

“In the golden era of drag, Regina Fong reigned supreme with personality and Charisma.” -Titti La Camp

 

Lazy Sunday afternoons

Sunday afternoons are the time when we all kick back, relax and dread another working week ahead. Either that or we’re holding our head in our hands, saying: “Never, ever, ever drinking again”, as we desperately try to force some solids down a throat that’s as dry as a nun’s wotsit – just us? Luckily the sabbath is one of the hottest days in the weekly cabaret calendar.

Whether you chose to have a hair of the dog with CK; a dollop of Sunday Shite with Baga Chipz; a boozy afternoon sing-a-long with Dame Julie Paid or witness the genius mimicry of Charlie Hides, come Monday you’ll be set up for the week… but probably still hanging like a bastard!

 

M

Masters of Mime

The art form of mime is much more than moving one’s lips to a backing track – as any mime performer will tell you. The characteristics, gestures and emotion that go into the theatrical performance without words have been conveyed in a manner of ways from a variety of artists over the years. Mime has been a hugely influential part of the cabaret world from very early on, and still remains a prevalent force today. Many try, but few master it.

Today’s masters: David Dale, Titti La Camp, Lizzy Drip, Mitzi Macintosh, Alexis Carrington, Drama Queens, Supasista, Masquerade.

In the past many performers started out as mime artists, before moving onto live singing, but some of the most noteworthy acts were: Adrella, Andre Adore, David Dale, Sandra Hush, Lucia, Zsarday.

 

“Andre Adore was a pure perfectionist. She looked beautiful and acted with class, mixed with a unique eccentricity” – Dave Lynn

“I knew Zsarday from when she performed at Regina Fong’s Monday Madhouse at the Black Cap. The ‘And I am Telling You’ number, which was known as the ‘fur coat’ routine was iconic at the time.” – Sandra

 

Musical Theatre

From Evita to Dreamgirls. From Rocky Horror to Chicago – Musical Theatre plays a huge role on the scene, almost everywhere you look: Al Pillay, Cassidy Connors, Glam Jam, Lola Lasagne, Miss Ross, Mary Mac, Tanya Hyde, Drama Queens, Lady Imelda, Tiffaney Wells, La Voix.

 

N

Next Generation

The young performers that have the drive, determination and talent to be the stars of tomorrow.

These are the ones we’ll be keeping our beady eye on: Asifa Lahore, Baga Chipz, La JohnJoseph, Mary Mac, Miss Cairo, Myra Dubois, The Lipsinkers, The Supreme Fabulettes, Vanity Von Glow.

“Apart from my residencies at both Green Carnation and West 5, this summer I’ll be performing on the mainstage at Gran Canaria Pride and doing a handful of gigs across some of the island’s gay venues. I’ll also be performing endless duets with my pal Silver Summers.” – Vanity Von Glow

 

O

Old School

These performers were out there doing the thing in days gone by, when times were much more difficult for LGBT people. The years of entertainment and sheer balls they put into the cabaret scene lives on forever.

QX salutes the old school: Andre Adore, Adrella, Bette Bourne, Brooke Bond, Crystal Waide, Candy Du’ Barry, Cher Travesty, Danny La Rue, Dee Darnell, Dockyard Doris, Earl Grey, Lady Ebbonknee Zealy, HIH Regina Fong, Hinge and Brackett, Harlequeens,  Jimmy Trollette  Lily Savage,  Lee Tracey , Lee Paris, Lee Sutton, Nicky Young, Malitza,  Maisie Trollette, Mark Fleming, Mrs. Shufflewick , Millie Mopp , Phil Starr, Polara, Pip Morgan, Pearl Monsoon, Paula Pure, Ruby Venezuela, Steffan Whitfield, Sandra Hush, Terri Gardener, Toni Sinlair, Two Tons of Fun, Tony Page, Sassy Stryker, Trashville Tennessee, Terri Fox, Yolanda, Wanda Lemar, Way Out Girls, Zsarday, Ziggy Cartier.

 

“I was totally in awe of Marc Flemming. He had a very strong presence and character but was brilliantly witty with it. He was like a Jewish Miss Jason.” –  Dave Lynn

“Candy Du’ Barry was one of the very best. She was well known for her Dusty Springfield impersonation. And I was honoured to have inherited her Dusty costume which I cherished. She was also one of the very first people I heard say ‘cunt’ onstage.” [laughs] – Jeff Kristian

 

P

Parodies and Inventive Routines

They take a song, turn it upside down, chop it up, change the lyrics and turn it into a routine that’s barely reminiscent, except for melody, from the original song. This talented bunch don’t take themselves too seriously and love taking it as well as giving it (if you know what I mean – chuckles): Baga Chipz, Bette Rinse, Drag With No Name, Mary Mac, Titti La Camp, The Lipsinkers, Divina De Campo, Mitzi Macintosh, Rose Garden, Son of a Tutu.

 

Q

Queens 

Oh come on, give me one easy one!

 

R

Reviews

Thankfully, here at QX we do try to air on the more positive aspects when conducting a review out there in gay-land. It wasn’t always that way though; back in September 1990, a review was published in the short lived magazine called ‘Varda’ about now retired cabaret act, Polara’s show. It read:

 

Vicious Vinny’s Variety View

This tragic attempt at female impersonation left me vomiting profusely.  To even impersonate a human being would have been a major achievement where his talents are concerned.  My grandmother has more performance skills in her left labia.  In fact, I’m not altogether sure that it wasn’t my grandmother’s left labia, such was the extent of his physical attractiveness.

His stage presentation was abysmal; the attempt at humour between songs made me cringe quite violently.  If that was really all he could manage, he should have his lips stapled together for quite a few years (or perhaps I’ve mistaken the orifice).

Polara was as funny as watching your entire family being gassed – in fact, the thought of ever having to see him perform such pig excrement again makes me want to put my head in the oven.

Vinny’s venomous summary – If ever you encounter this hellish tranny trog, prepare yourself for an evening as tedious and hopeless as the search for Samantha Fox’s IQ.  This act is a coprophile’s dream.

 

S

Songstresses

They can belt out a number as good as any of the big divas! If you want a night out listening to some vocal powerhouses then check them out: Baga Chipz, Mzz Kimberley, Mary Mac, Lady Imelda, Lola Lasagne, Jeff Kristian, La Voix, Tony Sinclair, Holly Penfield, Lady la Rue, Le Gateau Chocolat.

 

Showgirls

Extravagant costumes. Stunning make up. Dramatic routines. Many of these performers began or resided at one of the most famous London Cabaret bars: Madam Jo Jo’s.

These, ladies and gentlemen, are the showgirls: Ceri Dupree, Ruby Venezuela, Mzz Kimberley, Terri Fox, Lady Ebbonknee Zealy, Ziggy Cartier, Brook Bond, Campari, Venus Mantrap, The Broadway Babies.

 

Snap a Lash

It’s the phrase that drag artists use in place of ‘break a leg’. So now you know.

 

T

Thought Provoking

For different reasons these acts will have you scratching your head. They’ve constructed shows to make you think and ponder on some of life’s social/political issues: Alp Haydar, David Hoyle, Dusty Limits, Scottee, Scott Capurro.

“The stuff you’re not allowed to say or show on TV or the West End stage – that’s what I try to do.” – Alp Haydar

 

U

Unique

Over twenty years ago Steffan Whitfield and Vicky Lee met for the first time, over tea at Fortnum and Masons; and shortly after, the Way Out Club was born. A unique club and night for trannies and their friends, with top quality cabaret. The Way Out has been a constant in an ever-changing scene, over all of this time, despite moving venues several times.

The Way Out Girls: Vicky Lee, Sarah Lloyd, Katt Kitten, Mis Fit, Lady Ebboknee Zealy, Jodie Lynn.

 

V

Variety 

It’s the spice of life, apparently? So if you need spicing up check out the smorgasbord of talent here:

  • Rose Garden – Hula Hooping
  • Cookie Monstar – Rapping
  • Trindy – Rocking out!
  • Crystal Waide – Fire Eating
  • Myra Dubois – Ventriloquism/Magic
  • Adora Dix – Spectacular magic
  • Titti La Camp – Levitation (yeah, you read it right! LEVITATION)

 

W

Weakest Link

There have been several drag queen specials of the game show hosted by the walking bundle of joy that is Anne Robinson.

Her lady ship had her usual frosty exchanges with our very own Dave Lynn, Lady Imelda, Rose Garden, Mandy Gap, Crystal Waide, Timberlina and Fabulous Russella, amongst many others.

 

X

X Rated

Personally, I absolutely love a bit of filth and vulgarity but I can understand that your visiting nan might not appreciate hearing every sentence ending with the word ‘cunt’ or seeing a middle aged drag queen playing with a paralytic-drunk guy’s knob onstage. But then again she might be in her element?

Sod it, just take her to see:  Kitty Litter, Rose Garden, Sandra, Baga Chipz.

 

Y

Yes Sir, I can Boogie

This song by Barraca has been sung almost every Sunday afternoon, for as long as I can remember, at Molly Moggs by Dame Julie Paid. It’s known as one of her signature tunes. Halfway through the first verse: ‘Mister, you’re eyes are full of hesitation. Sure makes me wonder, if you know what you’re looking for’, the audience always responds loudly with: ‘A DRAG QUEEN.’

 

Z

Zippers

Well, without them the image would be a whole ‘different’ experience, wouldn’t it?

“A long time ago, when I first started out, after a show, I got my zip jammed and couldn’t get out of my bloody frock, dear. I actually had to drive home in it. It was a great big bright one too. I looked a right cunt. Why can’t we have Velcro instead?”- Bette Rinse

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11 COMMENTS

  1. A great read, I used to go and see Phil and Alistair (The Harlequeens) every Saturday night at The Oak in Hackney way back in ’84-’86. Always a hoot, except the night Phil dragged me up on stage to be a backing singer for ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ his idea was that as the only girl in the place (and a shy 17yr old at that) I’d just stand there looking stupid, but I closed my eyes took a deep breath and went for it. From that night on I was his ‘Little Star’, but I made sure not to be within grabbing distance again!

    Often wondered what happened to them…

  2. A few others you have missed l think , like Olga , Bunny & the Wabbits, Bloolips, A.D C ( The alternative drag company ) who were the first beaded drag group in 1982 , created by myself , as was Company the charity group based at the RVT during the 90’s , the Playgirls who were Lilly savage & Sandra Hush and ABC , and Sisters slim, I think we’re missed but could be wrong . Also like to point out a correction as ‘names are important , it’s The Drama Queens, not drama queens, thank you x

  3. Great website, with some names I’ve never heard of, and more that are missing:
    The Rocky Horror talents or “Dressed Roughly as Girls”, or the vocals talent of “Glam and Glitz” – both of whom are credited on an american website “queer music hertiage’. I so both of these acts support Dockyard Doris in East London at the Music Hall.

  4. in your double acts section, perhaps all mouth and no trousers needs to be changed as they are no longer together with the unfortunate case of Lady James

  5. Can I ask why the greats like Alan ward Tony Page Alistair Harliqueen havent been mentioned you mentioned Dee Darnell and him and Alan were business partners at cafe labelle for many years

  6. im extremely flattered the tw headngs you have put me under but i think i fall into a few more aswell after 38 years lol what a lovely page i have to say xxxx

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