Ceri Dupree’s uniquely exuberant cabaret shows have been filling venues all over the world for twenty five years, and with her new show, ‘Ladies I Love’, on the horizon we sent our cabaret reporter, Jason Reid, feather boa in hand, to find out more about the man behind Ceri…
Jay: Ceri, it’s a real treat to have you back in London, as it’s a rare occurrence these days. Your new show begins at The Black Cap at the beginning of November, what have you got in store for us?
Ceri: Well, the show is called ‘Ladies I Love’; the clue is in the title [laughs]. It’s my latest theatre tour and although the Black Cap is not a theatre, it’s a mini theatre. It will be tight to get fifteen costume changes on stage there, but we will do it! They asked me to do something as part of the Camden festival a few months back, and I couldn’t do it, so then we decided on these three nights. Think Dame Edna, Nana Mouskouri, Camilla Parker Bowles, Shirley Bassey, Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner, Marlene Dietrich etc.
I’ve never done anything else. I started in the clubs when I was 17 and have just kept going. I always knew I wanted to impersonate all these fabulous females and I did. Although, probably in my heart of hearts, I would have loved to have been a costume designer. Too Late now, eh!
Who were your idols and inspirations as a young performer?
Without a doubt the first one would be Danny La Rue, although Dan couldn’t really impersonate anyone, I loved the glamour, the class and the attention to detail. My other idols as a kid were all showman like Stanley Baxter, Liberace and Boy George. Nowadays, the only one around with any showmanship is Lady Gaga.
What made you decide to make your show totally character based?
It all started when I was a kid, impersonating teachers in school, then people off the telly, and it just went on from there. I’m not the greatest impersonator in the world, I’m no Jim Bailey. Some I manage to nail really well and others I just get away with!
Some of your characters are so polished and accurate, I was wondering how long it takes you to hone them completely, and how do you decide which ones to include?
Some of them come very quickly and you realise you can do them with the greatest of ease, for example Tina Turner, Bassey, Cher and Barbara Cartland. Others, such as Joan Collins, The Queen and Amy Winehouse take a lot more concentration to perfect, and two I simply cannot get to work are Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland. The deciding factor for me is I have to like the woman; it’s great if they are glamorous and larger than life. I’ve only impersonated one person over the years that I’m not that struck on… Jordan. No talent, just a tart that got lucky!
Your act is pure high camp and glamour and you have taken it all over the world. Where has been the most glamorous and memorable show?
The most glamorous was in the Seychelles, but one of the most memorable was in Athens in a night club, walking out to 5000 people dressed as Nana Mouskouri and all chanting “Nana, Nana!” Now that was camp!
CERI DUPREE’S DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTLIST
Dave Dale – He’s a really good friend and we can talk forever.
Lola Lasagne – She is theatre, theatre, theatre and again we could talk forever.
Dave Lynn – just so I could design him a costume. He’s the only Jewish person I know that dresses down!
The Harlequeens – Wonderful. They’ve gone but they’re not forgotten, at least not by me.
Phil Starr – Just for that voice! Even him reading the menu out would be funny.
• Don’t miss Ceri Dupree at The Black Cap (171 Camden High Street, NW1 7JY) on 5th, 6th and 7th November.
• To book tickets, call 020 7485 0538.
