Award winning Brighton based drag artiste Miss Jason is teaming-up with a variety of cabaret performers this week at Walthamstow’s home of all things spangly, The Victoria, to raise money for a Thai orphanage that’s very close to her heart. We managed to coax Jason away from his beloved Facebook for a few hours this week so that we could find out more…
Hey, Miss Jason! You’re going to be hosting the charity spectacular at The Victoria; what’s the plan for the night?
The plan is to raise lots of money, and have a good old night of camp. There is nothing better for the soul than fun and fundraising.
I agree, smile and the world smiles with you. So, why did you choose to host it at The Victoria?
The lovely manager, Paul Murphy, contacted me a few months ago – after hearing that we needed some help fundraising. He’s very well known for organising successful fundraisers, too, so it seemed just perfect.
Paul has managed to provide some cracking prizes too, hasn’t he?
Yes, he has; there will be a good old fashioned raffle, with prizes including a five star hotel stay in London, a weekend in Brighton, theatre tickets and lots more, dear.
Apart from your good self, who else will be performing?
A whole host of my wonderful and talented friends will be in attendance. We have Maisie Trollette, Tammy Twinkle, Martha D’Arthur, Adora Dix, Benji, plus a few more surprises on the night!
Tell us a bit about the benefiting charity, and the orphanage, ‘Baan Gin Jai’?
We have a charity called ‘Thais 4 Life’, which is the group that supports the orphanage. It helps to provide money for much needed everyday essentials such as food, medication, washing machines, school uniforms and toys, as and when it’s needed. Currently funds are low, so we need to raise more.
“Life is far too short to be miserable. Enjoy it while you’ve got it.”
How did you initially get involved with it?
About four years ago I went over to Thailand, with Maisie Trollette, to do a fundraiser for the ‘Father Ray Orphanage’ – which is the big international orphanage that Maisie is involved with. Following that successful first trip I was asked, on my return visit, if I wanted to help a little orphanage called ‘Baan Gin Jai’ as it had no fundraising support whatsoever. They didn’t even have enough rice to feed the kids for the rest of the week, so it was apparent that every penny raised would make a difference. Since then I’ve fallen in love with the place and it’s a cause that is very dear to me.
What will the money raised at The Victoria go towards?
Currently we are building a brand new purpose-built orphanage, and thankfully the funds for it have already been donated. However, now it is our task to raise the money to furnish it – so this is where the fundraiser at The Victoria comes in. When it’s completed we hope to have enough room for one hundred orphans. We have quite a task ahead of us.
You’re clearly very passionate about charity. But if you could change only one injustice in the world right now, what would it be?
I would eliminate all poverty and homelessness immediately. I believe everyone has the right to a roof over their head and a decent standard of living.
The first drag queen politician perhaps?
Oh no, dear! Been there, done that. I was on Portsmouth City Council for seven years, Hampshire County Council for another seven, and I also worked for Baroness Emma Nicholson in the House of Lords for four years. The most political I get these days is the odd rant with a mic in my hand, to a bar full of bewildered and inebriated queens. That’ll do me!
You’re a very happy queen aren’t you, always full of joy on and off stage. What’s your secret?
The only secret my dear is that life is far too short to be miserable. Enjoy it while you’ve got it. And if you haven’t got it, look for it. It’s usually only just around the corner. Hope for the best, expect the worst and take what comes.
• ‘An Evening with Miss Jason & Friends’ is at The Victoria (186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17 4QH) on Saturday 10th August, 8.30pm-3am. £5 advance, £7.50 OTD with proceeds going to Baan Gin Jai orphanage in Thailand.
