05/06/14: The penultimate heat of this year’s Drag Idol took place at West London’s premier cabaret bar West 5 last week, hosted by the ever-punctual, oral-aficionado Sandra. Four acts performed for the chance of winning a spot in the semi-final at Halfway to Heaven this Saturday.
Judged by myself, 2012 Drag Idol finalist Asifa Lahore, singer James Bedford, and Dave Cross from Boyz Magazine, the venue was abuzz with anticipation. The first act, LoUis CYfer, got the evening off to a great start with a rip-roaring rendition of “Let Me Entertain You”. LoUis worked the crowd expertly, sashaying up and down the famous West 5 catwalk of fun, getting acquainted with the banister and flirting with audience members in his uniquely cheeky way. Confidence in abundance mixed with great material made him a hit with both audience and judges.
Second up was a performer who was new to my cabaret-radar, Krystal Ball. A lovely young act who has great potential. Musical theatre, old-school and glam. I loved the Evita! (I lip-sync to it all the time on the tube). A good performance, which needs some fine tuning, but a very endearing character with a great attitude, despite a few negative criticisms. Keep plugging away, you’ll get there. A positive attitude is one of the most important characteristics of any cabaret performer.
After a short interlude, a gossip with Sandra, and a fag with some of the West 5 cuties it was the turn of Swoozie Swallow; another very new act, who showed some great vocal ability but sadly dipped when it came to the patter. Again there’s the basis of a really good character there, that needs quite a bit of work, but everyone has to start somewhere. Finally it was lip-sync goddess Jenna Scyde. Let me tell you, this girl is FIERCE! Drama, emotion, on-point lip-syncing, commanding stage presence and sex appeal that oozes from every perfect pore. Utterly captivating. I predict big things for this LA based performer.
After much hair-pulling and caterwauling during the deliberations (Dave and I, as always) we awarded the win to LoUis CYfer. The first drag king to reach the semi-final stage in five years. Congratulations fella!
Quality over quantity was the theme at West 5, and Manager Daniel, DJ Jonathon, host Sandra put on one of my favourite heats of this years competition. Everything was just right. From the hospitality shown to the acts and judges, to the attentive audience, through to the pleasant atmosphere.
Good luck in the Semi-Finals, West 5 and LoUis.
West 5, 56 Pope’s Lane, Ealing, W5 4NB
Photos by Joel Ryder
