Let’s all just say it together and then we can move on… PHIL MASHITTER!
A drag name that undoubtedly belongs in the hall of fame of drag names. This week, Jason Reid gets to know more about the proud Yorkshireman and Man Up finalist…
Who is Phil Mashitter?
Phil Mashitter is a likely lad, a lad about town, hoping vainly for glory, riches, pussy and BMWs. He’s pissing his life away in a variety of pint glasses, and awaiting the camp relief and enlightenment of sweet, sweet pop music.
How did THAT name come about?
The name ‘Phil Mashitter’ is a combination of the names of two men who I used to know – and despise. One is a best friend of mine’s misogynistic, violent ex-boyfriend, and another is an arrogant posh idiot I used to share a work context with. Both of them are hideous patriarchs, chock-full of toxic masculinity. Phil Mashitter’s task is to go beyond satirising problematic men, to understand and empathise, and to give them redemption. These two seemed like good material to start with.
Describe your performance style in three words.
Aggy, arse-jiggling, compassion.
What’s your aesthetic?
Slicked hair. Jaw contours to cut glass. Tight white vest.
When and why did you start performing as a drag artist?
I did Michael Twaits’ fantastic Art of Drag course at the beloved Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I’d just finished being on trial as part of the Stansted 15 – trying to get the Home Office to be more humane to our queer African siblings and not just deport them. I needed a creative outlet – and I love drag. It was also about reclaiming drag; my first drag queen performance had been pretty horrific: she’d semi-throttled me and my then-girlfriend – so I wanted to own drag in my own way.
How do you feel when you’re performing in drag?
Alive. I lip-sync and take off my clothes whilst wiggling around the stage – and people clap! I survived a decade of an eating disorder, so this is absolutely incredible for my body positivity. I’m so grateful for the community.
What are you listening to?
I love me a bit of Cher. Not many blokes are secure enough to say that.
You recently entered Man Up, how was that?
Oh my god, it was joyous. All the kings are really supportive of each other, and everyone in my heat was phenomenal. Adam All and Don One are utterly wonderful, and The Glory is my kinda hole. I got through to the final, along with my main man Will Actually.
What makes you happy?
Swimming in the sea, cycling, sex, books, activism, quakers, yoga.
Who or what would you banish to Room 101?
Tories.
Top three drag inspirations?
Freddie Mercury, self-aware men, and my brother.
If you could only read one book, watch one film, and listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Book: Callings by Dave Isay.
Film: Little Women (so hot).
Album: Joy as an Act of Resistance by IDLES
One piece of advice for new kings starting out?
Do the Art of Drag course at the RVT. And if you want to do something a bit wacky and not sure how, there’s tonnes of tutorials online.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I’m a proud Yorkshireman. I’m from near two places in Yorkshire called Land of Nod, and Wetwang.
Phil Mashitter will be performing at Drag What? 1st Birthday Bonanza at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY on Wednesday 18th March.
