03/07/15: This time last year, after a decade of producing a whole gaggle of talented new cabaret artists, the organisers of Drag Idol UK had initially planned to drop the curtain on the competition and call it a day, despite it’s continued and unfaltering success.
However, like an unavoidable Phoenix, it rose from the ashes, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, with new organisers and a bit of a rebrand.
And after three months of tantrums and tiaras, deliberations and dramas, growth and drag schooling, the final four sharpened their nails and perfected their side-eye for the Grand Final at the Two Brewers, hosted by previous winner La Voix.
The Vixens (Representing Halfway to Heaven), Tittania Bon Bon (Queens Court, Leeds), Sum-Ting Wong (Admiral Duncan) and Danny Beard (Two Brewers) all worked the stage of the club bar (in that order) to a VERY enthusiastic audience, and eclectic panel of judges, which included the eternal mother of Drag Idol, Titti La Camp; reigning king of the competition and last year’s winner, LoUis CYfer; 80’s pop star and wearer of banana leaves, Sinitta; cabaret luminary Spike Rhodes and magazine chief David Bridle.
During the three hour show, the acts treated us to powerful vocals, a host of 90’s tunes, clever comedy, camp choreography and even ventriloquism.The eventual winner was Danny Beard, who owned the stage and had the audience with him through every second of his set. Both Titti and LoUis were in agreement when giving comments, saying, ‘You are the best act this competition has ever seen.’
A very exciting new act indeed with the most striking aesthetic we’ve seen in a while, that’s for sure. Congrats Danny!
Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Mark Storey
