After the glitter had settled on last year’s Drag Idol there was talk of giving it a rest for a short time, pondering on how recent successful years could be replicated or even bettered.
Fast forward twelve months, and with the inclusion of Rupert Ellick’s Refire Management, the constant dedicated leadership of Titti La Camp, some major sponsors and more venues than ever being involved, Drag Idol 2013 surely has approached its tenth year in better shape than ever before.
The Grand Final, held at The Two Brewers, was the culmination of two months’ hard work from acts, hosts and judges from around the country. Gathered like sardines, supporters and fans of cabaret watched on as the final four gave their all aiming to win the top prize, which includes a UK tour of all competing venues, a year’s representation and a bespoke dress – equivalent to over £4,000 in prizes.
The first act up, aiming to impress the judging panel – our very own editor/Greek She-Ra, Cliff Joannou, Rob Dean (Boyz Magazine), Tony Page (Retired doyenne of drag), La Voix (last year’s winner) and former pop star Suzanne Shaw (No? Try Wikipedia, dears!) – was Dusty Springs, representing Rainbows, Coventry, with her high camp set including live singalong medleys, traditional mime sections and lashings of audience interaction. A good start and the crowd loved waving their dusters in the air – the camp beggars!
Miss Demeanor, representing The Palace, Bristol, was second to take to the stage, cramming sooooo much into her twenty minutes. There was a parody song and jokes tailored specially to judge Suzanne Shaw, costume changes, mime, and even Irish dancing, for which she was joined onstage by her (actual) little sister, Miss Demeanor (chuckles). I think it’s fair to say, she ‘covered all bases’.
Third act Martha D’Arthur, glided onto the stage like a recently abdicated queen and opened with her own take on Bond’s Skyfall (changed to Drag Idol Final) – she loves a big Bond song does our Martha. Clever song choices, topical patter, constant audience engagement and a riotous reaction saw Martha receive glowing praise from the whole judging panel.
Last, but not least, was Topsie Redfern, representing the Black Cap, adorned in her signature pink wedding dress. She scoured the audience looking for a husband as her operatic stylings resounded around the room. I honestly get shivers every time I hear it! Add to that a wonderful parody on the cabaret scene and some dead cheeky gags (too naughty to repeat) Topsie was again a hit with the audience, and it was X Factor style inspirational comments from the well lubricated judging panel.
A hard one to call, I thought. However the judges staggered off (some were carried – mentioning no names) and returned the result in relatively quick time. In fourth place was Miss Demeanor, third was Dusty Springs and second was Topsie Redfern. The winner of Drag Idol 2013: Martha D’Arthur. The night ended with an anthem-like Whitney Houston encore from queen Martha.
See you next year, Idol fans! The word on the grapevine is that it’s going to be bigger still for its tenth year. Surely this competition deserves to be on TV…
Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
