Let’s start at the very beginning. When did you first start performing?
I’ve been performing from a very young age, since I was seven or eight years old. The bug has got stronger as I’ve got older. My main passion has always been performing.
At that young age what were you doing?
I was doing lots of school plays – my first lead role was Oliver. Then I started doing carnivals in the south-west of England.
What drew you to performance?
I think it was when I went to see a pantomime when I was very young; I remember thinking I’d love to be up there doing something like the people on stage.
Why do you think that was?
Because there’s nothing better than going to a show and feeling good, or feeling emotion – I think that’s a really powerful thing. When you have a really good response from an audience, that’s really nice. That really attracted me to that kind of thing.
And you continued performing throughout your school life?
Yes I did, all the way through till the end of sixth form I was doing shows and also organising and performing at the carnivals – the largest illuminated carnivals in the world, bigger than Disney, all around Dorset, Somerset and Devon. Bridgewater has the biggest illuminated carnival in the world. It was a huge passion of mine for many years.
What happened when you left school?
I decided to move to London. My family always thought that I would remain in the West Country, but I had other ideas.
How did you feel about moving to London when you were seemingly settled and dedicated to the carnivals and community?
It was a huge culture shock. But I really wanted to do it because I wanted to study acting more and I get involved in more professional stuff in London.
What did you have your sights set on in London?
Being a professional actor was my main goal. I auditioned for lots of drama schools, did a Saturday school in Camden, auditioned for the London Dungeon three times and ended up getting the job and working there for a short while, which was a lot of fun.
Then along came drag…
Yes, pretty much. I was 22 years old. One night my friends suggested we go out in drag. I was adamant that I didn’t want to do it but I did anyway, and it was the attention I got from people that made me want to do it more. Around that same time I would sing at karaoke at 79CXR and one night Bette Rinse spotted me and suggested I enter Drag Idol. Bette then took me under her wing and mentored me as I navigated the competition. I performed with her every Tuesday at Halfway to Heaven. My first residency was at the Admiral Duncan alongside Bette, thanks to the venue manager, Oliver Blatherwick.
It sounds like you just got on a bike and started riding, so to speak.
It wasn’t quite that simple. I still had to learn a whole different craft from what I was used to, so it was very nerve-wracking at first. But the best thing about this job – and like any job, really – is the more people you meet, the more advice you get, the more life experience you gain. That advice is a real integral part of who I am today, and what I do – and for that I’m very thankful.
At what point did you decide that drag was going to be your full-time job?
It was a good few years in, probably the second or third year that I realised this was the long-term career for me. Those transitional years were very difficult because I was trying to hold down a full-time job whilst also following the drag dream. But then when I did take the plunge I was slightly busier and travelling around the country more. It’s been really exciting and I’ve built up a huge passion for drag.
If you could go back in time and give Stephanie some advice before entering Drag Idol, what would you say?
Don’t get inside your head too much.
You now live in another queer cabaret hotspot, Brighton. When did you move there and how have you found it?
I’ve been living here for five years. I love Brighton because it’s a very chilled friendly place. It’s great to be by the sea. Also it’s good for focus…
You feel like you’re able to focus more so in Brighton than London?
Yeah I think so because you can shut yourself away, go for walks along the beach, and just channel what you want to do. There’s not as much hustle and bustle around you.
Would you say you’re an introvert or extrovert?
Oooh, as Steven I’m very much an introvert, but when my character is out there doing her thing I’m more extroverted.
There’s a lot of big drag personalities in Brighton. How does that make you feel?
I think it’s inspiring. I love it. It’s great to be around people that have worked the scene for many years. When I first moved to Brighton it was slightly daunting and intimidating, like being a little fish in a big pond, but once you get to know people it’s fine. Mutual respect is key.
Is drag now your career for life?
Yes! I mean I’d love to be a full-time actor and and branch out into different genres like TV and film – they are my main passions. I love music as well, and I’d like to do a bit more with that. But then there’s so many avenues you can go down in drag. I’m kind of living my dream really, just in a different format.
Are you happy?
Very happy. I can’t believe I’ve been doing drag for this long [ten years], and I can’t believe all the amazing people I’ve met. It’s an honour to be able to do what I do.
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
Performing at Brighton Pride in the cabaret tent – that was the best. Also organising the Marine Tavern cabaret stage and performing on it.
