Greenwich’s most discerning drag proprietress is starting a drag finishing school in the form of Drag Factory.
Prolific potentate of The George and Dragon, The Duchess, talks us through her brand spanking new finishing school for drag darlings. It’s a process dear, not a competition.
Well, hello there Duchess. Where are we catching you this evening?
Well, hello there QX. Such a delight to talk to you today from Chateau Duch, in the royal borough! I’m currently dictating to my PA, on a plush velvet chaise longue, sipping vintage champagne.
It looks like your Greenwich boozer the George and Dragon had QUITE the busy summer!
It’s been a great summer here, all hands on deck so to say, celebrating 21 glorious years among other things. My lifestyle is so glamorous. Living the dream.
Word on the street is that you’re giving back to the drag youth of today! Tell us where the idea for Drag Factory came from.
Well, yes I suppose I am “giving a little back” to the drag scene. Facebook is to blame I guess. A few months ago I felt some of the newer people coming through looked upon the older generation as “old gammon, old guard and dinosaurs” and so on. It took me a little time to realise I was part of that generation (only just I might add). Rather than be accused of blocking and preventing their progression, I decided to actively encourage them in their development.
Which infamous TV judge would you most align yourself with?
I would quite happily not align myself with any judge, this has been part of the problem, in my humble opinion, with competitions on the scene. My Drag Factory is not a competition, it’s a process! Too many competitions take place where some of the people “judging” are in no way shape or form in a position to judge anything, The contestants are humiliated publicly and then discarded. The Drag Factory is an opportunity to have a platform for practice with private recommendations and the prospect of progressing onto the cabaret scene. They need a 45-minute show, which I can hopefully help to turn from raw talent into a bookable act. Each time they perform we can monitor the progression at the Drag Factory.
Why is it important that more seasoned queens like yourself lend a guiding hand to those just starting out?
I think it’s important to have new talent on the circuit to continue the art form. I’ve been booking and working for over 20 years, experienced on both sides of the fence, so I’m also lucky enough to be well placed to try and help. I’m hoping to provide another route to the circuit but, I might add, it’s certainly not an easier route. I’m known to be quite a tough nut. Dave Lynn was overheard referring to me once: “Don’t fuck with her, she is one formidable mother fucker.” I was thrilled by the compliment.
What is it about something like Drag Race that doesn’t quite capture what it is to be working drag queen?
I’m not a fan of Drag Race at all. Sadly the younger audiences of today think that’s what Drag is. It’s not! Dancing for tips in your G-string wouldn’t cut the mustard for an hour in some of the places I have worked over the years. We’ll see what the UK version throws out, interesting television perhaps. It will, however, be shown weekly, every Thursday, from 8 pm at The George and Dragon (shameless plug).
What’s the first bit of advice you’d give someone just starting out?
My first advice would be to know your history. The Drag circuit didn’t start the day you tried on your mother’s heels, and ten minutes on a stage in a competition doesn’t make you a Drag act!
The Duchess’ Drag Factory will be every Thursday, launching this week on 26th September at 9pm. The George and Dragon, 2 Blackheath Hill, Greenwich SE10 8DE.
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