Fast-talking and top-selling Tupperware lady Dixie Longate rose to fame in 2007 when ‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ became an off-Broadway hit. She’s been going from strength-to-strength ever since, touring the world. Jason Reid caught up with the flame headed Alabaman this week, ahead of her run at the Soho Theatre…
So how did you get into the glamorous world of Tupperware, Dixie?
When I got out of prison my parole officer told me that I needed to get a job so that I could get my kids back. Can you imagine? She was the one who told me about Tupperware and I thought; wait! A job that I can actually do while I am drinking? I’m in!
You’re the top seller in the US. What’s the secret to your success?
I sell butt loads of Tupperware. That’s pretty much it. I mean, I have a great time at my parties and we drink and get crazy, and then they see the fantastic plastic crap and then they buy it. I mean, who doesn’t need creative food storage solutions for their home and office? No one! That’s who.
Do you have a favourite piece?
There are many things about Tupperware that I love and couldn’t live without, so it’s hard to pick just one favourite piece; but I guess I would probably have to say that the 16oz. Classic Impressions Tumblers with the dripless straw seals are the most useful to me personally. You know when you’re drinking and driving and you accidentally run over something like a squirrel or an ex-husband or something? When I use these tumblers it’s great, because I never ever spill anything that I’m drinking.
What did you want to be when you were little Dixie?
My momma used to ask me that same question between cigarettes. I never had any intention of travelling the world being a Tupperware lady. When I grew up, my only goal was not to be in prison. I just wanted to have a great time, meet loads of fun people, and learn a few crazy party tricks to get me tipped around the pole, on a Friday night, at the local bar.
How do you describe yourself to strangers?
Leggy, raucous, ass-kicking, hard-drinking and gorgeous.
And your look?
I guess I’d call what I wear “trailer park chic”. I usually make my outfits from old picnic table cloths but I have to cut around the gravy stains, so I don’t look like too much of a whore.
It’s not your ‘average’ Tupperware party is it? Tell me about your show at the Soho Theatre.
The show is a Tupperware party on stage, but it is a hell of a lot more fun and crazy. Of course, I talk about the quality Tupperware brand product, but there are games and prizes and raffles and craziness, and sometimes people from the party come on up on stage and help me. It’s like being at a mini-Jubilee! And I like for everyone to go home having laughed so much that their jaw aches but at the same time I want people to feel a bit more empowered about life and taking charge of things, like so many Tupperware ladies have done in the past.
You’ve just been in Melbourne, Australia, with the show. How was that?
I had so much fun “down under”, as they say. Everyone was so neighbourly and kind. I didn’t even realize that they had food down there when I first went, but it turns out they do and they needed a good place to store it. They eat kangaroo sometimes, which is amazing. I didn’t know you could even catch a kangaroo much less eat it. I didn’t go there to learn ‘em how to cook. I went there to show them all how to store things. I’m only one woman. I can’t be expected to do everything, right?
Well, no. So what are you looking forward to doing whilst you’re in London?
Well, I’m supposed to like ride the London Eye, meet this guy named Big Ben, ride on someone’s tube and enjoy some bangers and mash. I mean, with only two weeks to do this all in, I’m fairly certain my jaw will be aching most of the trip. I’m so excited.
• Dixie’s Tupperware Party is at Soho Downstairs at Soho Theatre (21 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3NE). Monday 7th-Saturday 19th May, 9.45pm. Bookings: 020 7478 0100/ www.sohotheatre.com
