Jason Reid meets the crumbly queen herself!
Cookie Monstar is the ray of sunshine the drag scene needs in 2018. This seasoned queen has performed professionally on both sides of the Atlantic, can rap whilst doing headstands, yodels, and, most importantly, has the gift of the gab.
This week, Jason Reid caught up with Cookie for a chinwag…
Hey Cookie; long time no chat. How’s life?
Good, thanks. I seem to be the busiest I’ve ever been at the moment – which after doing drag for so long is both a miracle and a blessing.
What’s 2018 been like for you so far?
Wonderful! At the beginning of the year I completed my documentary Pink Feathers and had a screening here in London which sold out. Joseph (the director/film-maker) and I have just come back from L.A. where we were nominated for two awards, and won one of them. We’re having another screening in December so look out for details. I’ve been doing quite a bit of work with Drag Queen Story Time; going into schools and reading stories to the kids. I also do shows in care homes for the elderly. Both those performances are some of the most rewarding in different ways… so from birth to death, I’ve got you covered [laughs]. AND I’ve just appeared on ITV’s The Big Audition. I auditioned for the role of pantomime dame which I got but then decided to turn down. A girl’s gotta eat if you know what I mean…
You’re currently at the Admiral Duncan every Wednesday with Spin the Wheel. What’s it all about?
Spin the Wheel is a bit of fun and it does what it says on the tin. You spin the wheel and whatever game it lands on you have to play. My favourites are Wankety Wank and Frozen – anything to see a topless torso. Thanks to manager Karl and his generous budget the prizes are amazing; so pop down and play. A small packet of pickled onion Monster Munch could be yours.
Are you a TV game show fan? I reckon they were at their peak in the 90s/early 00s when you could win things like a speedboat or a canteen of cutlery, and all the assistants were dead camp.
Oh I love them! The Generation Game was my favourite. And yeah, you could win actual speedboats! What happened to all that? Nowadays you’re lucky if they pay your train fare to the studio. Bring back the big budgets.
You would’ve made a good glamorous game show assistant back in the day. What would your catchphrase be?
Thank you! I would have loved being one of the glamorous assistants running my hand across a 36-piece kitchenware set whilst sporting a cheesy smile. My catchphrase would depend on the name of the show so lets stick with my catchphrase for Spin the Wheel: “If you don’t take a spin you won’t bag a win.”
Wait…haven’t you been on a TV game show as a contestant?
I did actually go on Eggheads. We were called ‘The Queens’ (the channel chose the name). Rose Garden was also on the panel.
How’d you get on?
Terribly – but we had a great night out in Glasgow where it was filmed. The next day the train was delayed so we all got compensation which was a bonus.
What do you enjoy most about performing at the Admiral?
I love the Admiral. It’s always a good night out and the crowd are great. We have a lot of fun. I think they’re lured in by the offering of free matchmakers that I hand out before the show. You can’t go wrong with chocolate.
How would you change Soho if you could?
I’d pedestrianise Old Compton Street and bring in a law that stated if you’re a resident and live above or across the street from an entertainment venue you wouldn’t be able complain about the noise. MOVE!!
What’s next for you? More TV? Film? Hollywood?
Who knows? Watch this space, and bring it on baby.
You can see Cookie Monstar every Wednesday at the Admiral Duncan, 54 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4UD.
