10/04/14: It was time to welcome back Drag Idol for another year of high camp and even higher drama – if previous years are anything to go by – as Jimmy Smith and his team at the Two Brewers swung open their glitter-infused doors to us and the cabaret-loving public for the official launch of this year’s competition.
Hosted by the doyenne of all things Drag Idol, Titti La Camp, the evening showcased a selection of previous champions, who go back as far as 2008. To think, we were still chickens. Just. Kevin Cruise got the night underway, after Titti had set fire to Adele, and he pushed the kitsch-o-meter to almost breaking point. We’re still seeing white spots in front of our eyes, days later, from the sheer volume of sequins on his costume. He got the audience in the perfect mood with plenty of high energy, before Baga Chipz took over, continuing in the same upbeat tone. A sixties medley and a wave of hilarious jokes (most of which we can’t repeat) followed.
Brewers’ resident and showgirl through and through, La Voix was up next with a barnstorming tribute to all of the female musical greats, set to a Britain’s Got Talent theme. I can’t for a moment imagine why? A magnificent performance. In the time it took us to neck a Jäegerbomb, La Voix had mysteriously turned into Kelly Wilde and it was time for a rendition of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. That song never gets old. And us gays do love to give it large at the chorus.
The youngest ever Idol winner, Tanya Hyde, and most recent winner, Martha D’Arthur, turned out crowd-pleasing sets, too, and added heartwarming tributes to fellow acts and organisers. An appearance from the cat-stroking ultimate queen of the talent show Susan Boyle, spoofed ingeniously by Titti, wrapped proceedings up like a neat little bow.
A night that reminded us what an array of sensational talent Drag Idol has produced, reinvigorating the cabaret scene year on year. So, what will this tenth year bring? We can’t wait to find out…
The Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Chris Jepson
