With over three decades of performing under her belt, the hilarious and much loved Saucy Sophie has seen the London drag scene change dramatically over the years and has learnt from the best. This week Jason Reid spoke to her about old-school glamour, drag greats and sequins…
“The first gay pub I ever went to was George IV in Poplar. It was the late 80s, I was sixteen and it was there that I met drag acts such as Sister Slim, Tony Page, Candy Du Barry and The Harlequins. My life changed as soon as I entered that pub. I was amongst some of the greats of the day. From then I got bitten by the drag bug and began to work the amateur circuit, entering competitions at the RVT and The Black Cap, much like Drag Idol today.
“After I became known, people started booking me and it went from there. I do remember though, someone saying to me: ‘You’re shit Sophie, you’ll never make it.’ That stuck in my mind, I can’t pretend it didn’t. And they may well be right, but thirty-four years later, I’m still working. If anything, that person made me more determined to succeed.
“I’ve always described myself as a blue comedian in a frock, actually no, a gown, dear! I don’t profess to be the best singer in the world, but I can crack a gag and make people laugh and smile, which is the most important thing to me in this job. That’s what drives me, the adrenalin you experience onstage seeing a crowd of happy faces.
“I’ll keep going until they stop making sequins.”
“My inspiration for Sophie has always come from the ‘old-school’ branch of drag performance. I mean my ultimate idol is Phil Starr. People talk about unique performers all the time nowadays, now let me tell you, Phil was the REAL deal in that respect. He will never be replicated. A consummate professional and a master gag-teller.
“There are some great performers around today, too, even though I think the glamour and commitment to ‘the look’, which once was such an integral part of an act, has diminished somewhat. I’ve always said: ‘If there’s not a sequin or diamante on my outfit, I don’t want to know.’ Sadly it seems that ‘old-school’ glamour is a dying breed, but we mustn’t forget it’s where our history lies.
“Of the current batch I have a real soft spot for Miss Jason, who reminds me of the late, great Dockyard Doris in so many ways, especially the mannerisms. She’s a joy to watch, is Jason. Drag With No Name is another of my favourites. He’s a brilliant singer and bursting with ingenuity. He’s also a bloody lovely and genuine guy.
“As for me, I’ll keep going until they stop making sequins. There will always be drag in my life and on the scene in one form or another, in supportive venues such as The Old Ship, and that should be celebrated. To the acts that are putting their foot on the first rung of the ladder, like I was in the 80s, my advice to you would be: be prepared for the hard work, the knockdowns and the adulation. And take the criticisms on the chin and most importantly, believe in yourself.”
• Saucy Sophie is at The Old Ship (17 Barnes Street, Limehouse, E14 7NW) on Sunday 22nd February, from 8pm. Free admission.
