They Daren’t be Really Rude to Sandra

This year, Sandra celebrates thirty-five years as a drag artist. From humble beginnings performing guest spots at The Black Cap, to residences up and down the UK, Sandra is an act that everyone knows or at least has heard of. Jason Reid had a long overdue chat with The Whore of Hampstead Heath this week… 

How old were you when you first did drag?

I was a sweet and innocent 17 year old. It was shortly after I moved to London from Solihull in 1981.

Where was your first paid gig? 

The Black Cap in Camden.

How did it go? 

I was nervous because I’d never done it before. On top of that, it was very difficult being black and gay back in the ‘80’s. My show did go down well though.

How underrepresented were black artists at that time?

There were hardly any around, sadly. When I started out there was a really talented queen called Simply Elegant, then Zsarday came after me. Zsarday and I performed at The Black Cap with Regina Fong.

Do you think black and ethnic minority artists are well represented today? 

Yes, definitely. There’s Asifa Lahore, Son Of a Tutu, Mzz Kimberley, and plenty up north too.

Who’s your favourite new artist/act? 

I like The Vixens, they remind me of myself when I was that age. LoUis CYfer is another of my faves.

If you could be another drag artist for a night, who would you be? 

The D.E Experience, for his voice.

You’re well known for your risqué humour. Is anything off limits?

No, I don’t think so. It’s all in the delivery. People take things the wrong way these days. If they find it controversial, they don’t have to stay and watch, they can leave at any time. Comedy is about pushing the boundaries.

How would you react if someone did take offence? 

I don’t give a shit. You come to a show so you should know what to expect.

Describe your act in one word. 

Vulgar.

What haven’t you done that you’d like to do? 

Work on the cruise ships.

La Voix works on the cruise ships.

Yeah, well she needs the work.

Meooooow! What’s your favourite pass-time, apart from sucking cock?

I love walking around London, seeing all the different elements of the city, and also visiting places I’ve never been to.

Tell us something not many people know about Del, the man behind Sandra. 

Even though I’m an extrovert I’m also very shy and insecure. If I don’t know somebody it takes me ages to get to know them. When I’m Sandra I can channel a side of me that I can’t when I’m Del.

Which is more satisfying, the money or the audiences? 

The audiences. Without a doubt.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve had in your audience? 

Marc Almond, Elton John, Stephen K. Amos; there’s been loads over the years.

Do you ever get nervous before performing?

Always. People who say they don’t get nervous are liars. I think it’s important to have a certain degree of nerves to perform well. You need that adrenalin.

Do you watch RuPaul’s Drag Race?

Now that we have Virgin at home I watch it on TruTv. Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderfuck are my favourites. It’s good that the show has brought drag into the mainstream again.

Lip-sync or live?

I started as a lip-sync artist and then evolved to live performance, so I’d have to say live.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Dan Snow.

Which drag artist would you date?

Dave Lynn.