Cabaret devotees will be happy to read that we WILL be bringing the QX Cabaret Awards back for 2020. To tide us over for the remainder of the year, I’ll be catching up with the class of 2019. This week it’s the turn of Best Newcomer, elegant chanteuse Chanel No 5…
How’s everything in Chanel’s world?
Hello my darling! It feels like everything’s coming up Chanel. Since London Pride it’s been non-stop and I haven’t had a moment to breathe – but I love it!
You seemed VERY surprised when you won Best Newcomer. What was going through your mind?
I was so surprised! It was a real mixture of joy, relief, excitement and free Prosecco.
Any other highlights from the night?
I really loved seeing everyone that I normally don’t get to see, all together, celebrating all things queer and cabaret. There were some incredible artists that I never thought I’d be in the same room as and then I ended up being in the same room as all of them at once.
Your look is distinctively retro. Are you an old spirit?
You could say I’m an old spirit. I love the classic Hollywood and golden age of musical theatre so a lot of my references are people like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Katherine Hepburn. I love the style of the 30s-50s and instead of being just another drag queen in a leotard I thought I’d make myself really stand out and make sure I always look well put together and proper. I guess I’m the Princess Margaret of Drag?
Where can we see you next?
I’m always all over Soho and across London – this Sunday I’m at The Northcote in Leyton – but the next big thing coming up is my show January Blues on the 17th of January which marks my debut at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern – it’s a full show of jazz and classic musical theatre and I couldn’t be more excited!
READ MORE related to Cabaret Awards Catch-up – Chanel No 5:
The People Who Shaped Me: Cabaret star Symoné talks inspirations and influences
