Flick The Drag Queen sits down with each of the finalists of Drag Idol 2025 to get to know a bit more about them. The Drag Idol Final is at The Two Brewers on Thursday, 26 June.
Burt Lash (Mary’s Cardiff)
Describe your drag persona for us.
Burt Lash is a party boy—think Charli XCX meets Chris Pontius meets the Blue Man Group. I guarantee it’s always a burt summer when this king is in town. I’m a comedy king at heart: I write original raps, music, and parody songs that tell the story of my life through humour, rhythm, and a touch of chaos. People have called me the camp Cardi B—and honestly? I’ll take it.
How long have you been doing drag?
I’ve been doing drag for coming up to a year, and it’s been the best year of my life. The Bristol drag scene welcomed me with open arms, and I wouldn’t change a single part of my journey. If I could tell baby Burt what kind of year he was about to have, he’d probably believe me—because he’s worked incredibly hard for it. Sure, I’m one year into drag, but I’ve been writing and performing comedy in rough Bristol pubs since I was 16. So trust me—I’m ready, girl. Here’s to the next 60 years (fingers crossed, lol).
How has your experience been in Drag Idol?
It’s been a whirlwind! I entered the Cardiff heats last minute with low expectations—just hoping to have fun and meet other performers. I achieved both… and somehow came out on top. Well—almost on top. Massive shout-out to the iconic Sister Fanny, who won the Cardiff heats but couldn’t make the national semis. As the runner-up, I became her Coco Montrese. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but praise Jesus for a non-refundable P&O cruise! I came into the semis with serious imposter syndrome—but ended up winning the Brighton semi-final. Now? I feel unstoppable. Could Burt Lash take the crown? You’ll have to come see, babz. x
What can we expect from you in the final?
Expect killer raps, musical comedy, and stand-up that’ll give you a front-row seat into the wonderfully chaotic brain of Burt Lash. I entered this competition with 100% original material—and I’m not stopping now. Prepare for belly laughs, sing-alongs, and a sore face from grinning. Who’s the king with the blue tash? Girl, chill. It’s only BURT LASH!! x
Irene Bru (Halfway To Heaven, London)
Describe your drag persona for us?
Irene Bru is Scotland’s finest export if you don’t count whisky and deep-fried Mars Bars. She’s a big-blue-haired, big-hearted, live-singing tart with a sharp tongue and an even sharper sense of humour. Imagine if Lulu and Billy Connolly had a baby at a Proclaimers concert; that’s Irene. She’s bold, brassy, and never afraid to belt a note or belt out the truth.
How long have you been doing drag?
Just one year, and what a year it’s been. Turns out drag is the perfect outlet for a theatre kid with ADHD and a lot of opinions.
How has your experience been in Drag Idol?
Drag Idol has been like speed dating with your inner saboteur, terrifying, hilarious, and occasionally life-affirming. I’ve met some of the most amazing people around the scene, and whatever happens next, I’m grateful for the whole experience and everyone who has believed in me when I maybe have not believed in myself! Thank you for seeing something in me – oi oi.
What can we expect from you in the final?
You can expect live vocals, laughs, and at least one morally questionable joke. Irene’s bringing camp, comedy, and a touch of chaos, plus a torch-lit ceremony that would make Elton John blush. If all goes to plan, you’ll leave feeling just a little bit gayer than when you arrived. Amen. *gaymen
Beverly Bacon (Eden Bar, Birmingham)
Describe your drag persona for us.
I am an old school camp queen in the body of a miss piggy lookalike. I aim to be everyone’s favourite aunty and a really bad influence, so let’s have a bevvy and see where the night takes us!
How long have you been doing drag?
I started drag officially in February 2023 so around 2 and a half years, if you don’t count my dressing up as a bin bag witch age 7.
How has your experience been in Drag Idol?
It has been nothing but giggles and pure fun! I came into it hoping to make people laugh and get noticed and I have made some amazing new friends and had other people make me laugh so that’s a massive bonus !!
What can we expect from you in the final?
Jokes your nan would love, big vocals and big baps!
Pam Sandwich (Cockatoo Club, Manchester)
Describe your drag persona for us.
My drag persona is beautiful chaos! A bit like when you bite in to a jam doughnut and it bursts out the bottom all over a white top, but it still tastes sweet. My influences are Scouse women, camp women who have usually got a cigarette in hand and a hair roller in their fringe. It’s camp but full of heart, couple of gimmicks and lots of VOCAL!
How long have you been doing drag?
I’ve been doing drag for four years with some breaks as I was in recovery from drugs and alcohol. I’ve been just over one year clean and sober.
How has your experience been in Drag Idol?
I’ve done it before and had to pull out to go in to a recovery programme, but this experience has been extremely validating, loving and positive in my life. I’ve formed a sisterhood and been challenged in my drag. Sometimes drag can be toxic as a community, but this has just been the most wonderful time and I would recommend it to any and every drag artist.
What can we expect from you in the final?
I’m going to eat and leave no crumbs, be my usual chaotic self and captivate the room with my voice. The gimmicks haven’t always worked for me, but seen as I’m the wild card winner maybe I’ll give everyone a bit of WILD thang!
FREE entry before 9pm – £6 after.
Drag Idol Finals, Thursday 26 June at 8pm. The Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, Lambeth SW4 7UJ, United Kingdom.
More about the Drag Idol Finals
There will be a special performances by Drag Idol 2024 winner Shar Cooterie and Angie Brown (debuting her new single “Stir It Up”). The superstar judges are Baga Chipz, Victoria Scone, Angie Brown, Rob Burnett and Catia Ciarico. The event will be hosted by the fabulous Son of a Tutu!
All images supplied.
