We meet one of the cabaret scene’s nicest queens
Raise your M&S mojito tinnies in solidarity and get comfy on that Overground, because this week our intrepid Cabaret Editor, Jason Reid, gets to know more about one of the nicest queens on the drag cabaret scene who’s always ready to please the many not the few, Stephanie Von Clitz…
Who is Stephanie Von Clitz?
Stephanie is the Dorset tart with a heart; a West Country Linda La Hughes meets Vicky Pollard.
Describe your performance style in three words.
Bubbly, fun, horny.
Why and when did you decide to get into drag performance?
Eight years ago I met Bette Rinse at 79CXR and she encouraged me to take up drag as a full-time job. She also suggested that I apply for Drag Idol. It was a great experience and taught me a lot about the craft of drag performance. Post-competition, Bette mentored me and Mary Mac on and off for a couple of years. Her advice and wisdom was invaluable, and I’m very grateful to her.
What’s your aesthetic?
My aesthetic is classy Dorset realness, and my make-up is paint by numbers. Imagine a toddler being let loose in the Crayola factory and you’re there.
What makes you happy?
The best thing is to see a full room of people engaging with and enjoying what I do on stage.
The world would be a better place without?
Hatred of any kind – both on and off the LGBT+ scene.
Proudest achievement to date?
Playing Rose Nylund in the award-winning Golden Girls at the Two Brewers.
What are you listening to?
Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande
Chicago Soundtrack (ALWAYS listening to that)
Fuck the Pain Away – Peaches
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Fave new performers right now?
Pat Clutcher, Poppycock, Vivienne Lindsey and loads more, but you’ve put me on the spot here. Ask me again in a week when this vile hangover has shifted.
The best audience is…
One that joins in and aren’t on their phones glued to bloody Grindr. I mean, we all love the cock but when an artist is on stage you should be focused on them not that hung top breeder 500 metres away.
Three performers who inspire you?
Dave Lynn, Myra DuBois and Drag With No Name.
What’s the drag dream?
To travel more around the UK and internationally, and to audition for as much as I can and do a lot more Theatre, film and TV.
Apart from your own shows, which London cabaret shows would you recommend right now?
Gosh that’s a hard one as I’m always travelling around so much and rarely get enough time to see other stuff; however the shows coming up that I would recommend are Dragovision at the RVT on 15th May, which will feature lots of artists performing and raising money for Cancer is a Drag. I’m also excited to see more shows and events from Disabled Queer and Here.
Fave song to perform?
Titanium – because it’s a song about strength, and sometimes you need thick skin on the cabaret scene. There’s a lot of ruthless bitches out there.
What haven’t you done yet that you’d like to do?
I’d LOVE to be in a West End show.
One thing you’d change about the cabaret scene?
Respect everyone – regardless of whether you’re an established artist or just starting out. Don’t judge others at face value.
What’s the first thing you do in this morning?
Well it’s usually afternoon by the time I rise and check Facebook for all the overnight drama. Then I Iock myself in the bathroom and wash away the remnants of slap and glitter from the night before.
Who would you invite to a dream drag dinner party?
Miss Jason, Myra DuBois, Son Of a Tutu, Mrs Moore, Bette Rinse and Rose Garden
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I used to perform in carnivals bigger than Disney – in the South West. I was a camp old carnival queen, dear.
Stephanie Von Clitz will be performing at the Admiral Duncan, 52 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UB on Friday 3rd May.
