We catch up with Sandra, the self-professed Whore of Hampstead
She is a drag artist who was taught by the great icons of the genre, with decades of performing under her tuck, Sandra is a mistress of her craft. Very few can work a room and read a crowd like the Whore of Hampstead Heath.
This week, we talk about Sandra’s upcoming Two Brewers’ milestone, die-hard fans, HRH Regina Fong and Drag Race UK…
You’ve been resident at the Two Brewers every Sunday for as long as I can remember. What do you like most about that gig?
Yes I have: coming up for thirty years. I love the mix of people. Of course I have my fans who always come, but apart from them it’s different people every week. I also love the ambience in the venue, and the men are fucking gorgeous.
You have die-hard fans?
Yes, come rain or shine they follow me around the country: Birmingham, Manchester, London, everywhere. It’s bordering on stalking, but I love it, and them.
What’s the key to your longevity as a drag artist?
I’m like thrush, you can’t get rid of me [laughs]. I think I tap into people’s consciousness. Look, we’re all gay/queer at the end of the day, so I just tap into what my audience knows. I’m one of the only queens who always talks about cock. I love cock. Everyone loves cock. And I always try and keep things fresh and fun.
You started performing in the 80s under the guidance of Lily Savage, HIH Regina Fong and the like. Which of those drag icons had the greatest influence on you?
Regina. She was the first act I ever saw. It was actually my mum who told me about a gay venue in Camden, so I went down. There was no licence to dance. If you danced they’d throw you out. I remember seeing Regina with Triple X and being totally amazed. When she went solo and was hosting the talent night on Thursdays [at the Black Cap], that’s when I entered. David Rosen, who was the DJ, told me to enter another contest at the Elephant and Castle in Vauxhall, so I did, and won it three weeks in a row. That’s how I got my first gig at the Vauxhall Tavern.
What was it like for you as an artist of colour starting out back then?
Honestly, I think there were a lot more acts of colour then. There was Ebbonknee, who was quite big on the scene, Rebel Rebel, Simply Elegant and Zsarday. And there were some brilliant dancers from Madame JoJo’s. I never experienced any prejudice or negativity. I treated people with respect and I’d expect the same in return.
What do you think Regina [Fong] would make of the drag scene today?
I know for a fact she’d be horrified. She didn’t like the RuPaul’s Drag Race style of drag. She thought they were more like door whores, not actual acts.
Did you apply for Drag Race UK?
They actually phoned me. I don’t know who recommended me. They said I’m really funny and I’d be great on the show, and I just said ‘NO!’
Why? You could’ve been on the telly and waving from a float at Manchester Pride.
It just didn’t feel right and I wasn’t willing to give up my other work. That would be unfair to the venues that book and support me.
So what do you reckon to the line-up?
It’s a good mix. Should have been more diverse, with more ethic minorities, but hopefully that’ll come in time.
Who are you backing?
Me girl, Baga. I hope she does really well, she has that tenacity. She’s a fighter. And I love Divinia De Campo – I’ve worked with her up in Stoke on Trent. I will be watching. I’ll see how the first one goes. If it takes off and moves to BBC1 or BBC2 then I might do a future season.
So another thirty years at the Brewers?
I really hope so. I’ve worked my arse off over the years. I never wanted to be famous, I always wanted to be infamous.
How would you like to be remembered?
My headstone will read: “Here she lies, stiff at last”. To be remembered for brightening up people’s day, making people laugh and forget their troubles for an hour, is what it’s all about.
Sandra performs at the Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High St, Clapham, London SW4 7UJ every Sunday at 11pm.
READ MORE:
