Emma Taylor has a passion for drag and she’s not afraid to show it
What better way to start the Pride in London festivities than by assembling the squad of sisters and heading down to the Southbank to see cabaret superstars Gingzilla, Cazelon and Seann Miley Moore. They exhort a message of empowerment through the music of some of the most famous female trios of all time, in their own inimitable style. This week, Jason Reid chats to the show’s award-winning producer, Emma Taylor…
For those who don’t know who you are (can you believe?!) briefly tell us about your history with the arts and as a producer.
I’ve been artistic director of Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice and producer of Guinness World Record-Breaking satirical comedy NewsRevue in London and Edinburgh since 2001. I’m a former head of a secondary school drama department and also an actress, director, Edinburgh Fringe consultant and freelance producer.
HOW did this collaboration with Seann, Cazelon and Gingzilla come about? It’s quite random.
[Laughs] Yeah just a bit…although is anything really random these days?! I first met Gingzilla last year at a party to launch the big four Edinburgh venues kicking off the Edinburgh Fringe season. Ging was in the room doing a sound check before us. Obviously, she’s a very imposing character. Not one to judge by a cover, I was nonetheless blown away by what a warm, genuine soul she was. We then proceeded to bump into each other at various press night parties where I also met the stunning Cazeleon and at the Phoenix Arts Club on a Sunday night where we have the wonderful Stuart ‘misfit warrior’ Saint in common. The S.Q.U.A.D. Girls had decided to join forces to create the World Premiere of S.Q.U.A.D. Goals at the Underbelly and were looking for a producer so they got in touch, we had a meeting et voilà!
Individually, what do they bring?
They each have such a strong look and sound and vibe that is completely different from each other but when they come together there’s a kind of alchemy. The first time I finally got to meet all three of them together they needed to work out some harmonies for the cover songs. I’d put them in touch with the fabulous musical director Ed Bussey and I popped in to see how they were getting on. The sound was sublime. That’s when I first realised how different they each are but how well they complement each other.
Who would you say the show is for?
It’s for anyone who appreciates life-affirming storytelling delivered by three strong, queer, united, amazing DIVAS with killer vocals and outrageous talent. It’s a heartfelt journey about self-discovery that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions which will hopefully inspire the audience to also find their tribe.
As a producer, what’s the key to getting the best out of artists and creating a successful show?
Let them do what they know how to do best. After almost twenty years as producer of NewsRevue, one of my biggest strengths is recognising talent almost the second it walks through the door. I choose very carefully who I work with because there’s no joy in having to crack the whip. It’s about working with like-minded people where you can facilitate and enable them to get on with creating the art and then spreading the word.
S.Q.U.A.D Goals is immediately before Pride in London. I know you’re a very proud LGBTQ ally; what does that mean to you?
It means so much to me. Anyone who knows my background will know I’m not your typical ‘white, middle-aged, heterosexual woman!’ Needless to say, I have never understood ignorance of any sort – be it racism, trans/homophobia, misogyny and so on. Freedom to be who you are is inextricably linked to one’s survival.
Which three female vocalists would be your in your squad?
Ooh, that’s so hard! Ok, my ABC – even though two are no longer with us – would be Aretha, Beyoncé and Callas.
S.Q.U.A.D Goals is at Underbelly Festival, Southbank, 30 The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX from Wednesday 3rd – Friday 5th July
