Karla Bear is a winner of @ukdragidol and Resident Queen in bars across London, including the Admiral Duncan, The Two Brewers and Phoenix Arts Club. Ahead of her special Kylie Inspired performance at the Ultimate Kylie party at Eagle London on Friday, 22 November, QX decided to catch up with the drag queen from Down Under and chat about… all things drag!
When and where did you start doing drag?
Technically, I learnt how to perform as a queen in the world of music theatre in shows like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Kinky Boots, but Karla was properly born in 2019 when I entered Drag Idol Uk. It surprises people when they learn I’ve never really done drag in Australia… whilst Karla is VERY Australian, her entire existence is in the UK.
What were your first impressions of the drag scene here?
I loved it. The drag scene back in Australia is incredible, but they really focus more on the art of lipsync and production/dance shows. I loved that over here (at least in the bars I frequented) there was a huge focus on live singing and talking to the audience which really excited the cabaret diva inside of me.
Where did you get inspiration for Karla Bear?
I was in the West End Cast of Kinky Boots and, as one of the 6 drag queen ensemble members, it was tradition that we gave ourselves a name. Being the only international in the company, I wanted to pay homage to what I knew best (being Australian and having chlamydia), so Karla Bear (like koala, but Karla) was born!
What impact did winning UK Drag Idol have on your career?
It will sound dramatic, but it literally changed my life. There are so many incredible acts over here that had already cemented their spot in the scene that it really was (and still is) really difficult to get your foot through the door. I was arrogant enough (at the time) to think my CV was enough to get me noticed but it really wasn’t. I asked around, and everyone said “DO DRAG IDOL”, not to win, but to be seen. Drag Idol literally catapulted me straight onto the best LGBTQIA+ stages in the UK and I honestly can’t thank the competition and the team behind it enough.
What have been the highlight shows in your career?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to do some really cool stuff… climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge as Karla for World Pride, closing the Trafalgar Square Stage for Pride in London in 2019, being in the Kinky Boots movie recording of the West End Cast… but above all, performing at the venues I fell in love with when I first moved here, when Karla wasn’t even thought of yet. To be able to try and give back some of the joy those spaces gave me all those years ago is really special.
What advice would you give anyone hoping to pursue a career in drag?
It’s really hard work… but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll learn so much more from the mistakes you make than from what you “do right” so throw yourself into it and be BRAVE. Also, perfection is boring… try and find the fun in the imperfect, because that’s what will make you relatable to an audience.
Where can we see you perform?
All over London, Manchester, Brighton and Cardiff really! There are too many incredible venues to name!
Is there anything you’d like to try more of in the future?
I’d love to get back into my cabaret/one person shows again. I’ve written a whole heap- it’s time to show it to the world!
