One of the things we like most in a drag queen is the solidarity and sisterlinesssss (yeah, that’s totally a word) that most of them show each other. Take Lydia L’Scabies, Crystal Lubrikunt and Rococo Chanel for example. Three inimitable queens who rule the Brighton scene but also regularly take the 5:15pm to Paddington and take to the stage at The Meth Lab or some hot new trendy magazine launch party, like ours for example. Anyway we thought we’d find out a bit more, so here we go…
What is the idea behind Lydia?
Lydia was initially inspired by the sort of girlfriends your mother had a problem with. The girl with a lower back tattoo, the one who wore too much makeup and not enough clothes. I wanted her to be a failed ‘clique’ member who had been on the outskirts of every teen subculture, discarded for her reputation of her venereal complications, a reminder that sexual health is a shaming thing but wrongly so. She has a hideous glittery rash on her chest but she’s actually really sweet. Just don’t share a towel with her.
How do you see her evolving?
I have no idea really, that’s been the exciting part. I vowed she would never be blonde, but then it seemed a decent move because I feel she’s blonde not for the sake of conventions but connotations.
What do you make of the traditional pub drag?
I respect their work, I’ve enjoyed getting to know names and mapping out the function of the London scene. I respect the umbrella of drag in general really. I don’t understand the need for overtly aggressive or bitchy creative clashes because everyone is creating their own opportunity. With the vast accents of style and performance in drag, there are different audiences, different looks; it’s like The Stones and The Beatles y’know?
Do you have a drag mother?
I had a contact who taught me how to glue down eyebrows and gave me insight on incredible artists like Jimmy Sprinkles when I was experimenting with look over performance. She has said she’s my ‘Drag Mother’ but I feel we’ve got to where we are off our own intuition. I don’t have a drag daughter nor would I be prepared for one. Nothing is crueler than bringing a child into this world!
How has Crystal saved your life?
Before Crystal I was quite the ignorant teenage Taurus. I wasn’t very nice to be around. Once I started drag I was exposed to an industry that would end up teaching me so much about life in general. Creating Crystal was the best thing I have ever done, she has changed my mind, my outlook on life and made me one hell of a better person and I love her…I hope she loves me too. Haha…
Which women do you love lipsyncing to?
Oh that’s a hard one. A lot of people love it when I do Tyra, who explodes out of my DIVAS act. I slay the one or two who catch my gaze as I tell them to “BE QUIET TIFFANY.” But it’s not about any women in particular. I just tend to pick those that empower and encourage freedom of expression or respect in the world.
Yes, sometimes I do pick a cheeky Gaga number and the odd Britney song but I will never play one track and that’s that. I mix all my performances myself and that’s what makes them unique.
There are rumours Jodie Harsh and Jonathan Ross will do a UK drag race. What do you think about that?
Well, a few months back I performed at The Meth Lab alongside Latrice Royale from RuPaul’s Drag Race and after the show I was yanked aside by Mr. Ross who gave me some lovely compliments which was wonderful. I did question as to why he was at The Black Cap but now I understand! I think if it’s done right it could be wonderful! I just hope if this ‘Jodie & Jonathan’s Drag Race’ programme starts up, they end up finding a true superstar that could slay millions. And if you’re wondering if I’d be up for doing it? Why not? Bitch can’t sew but I could give it a go.
Crystal covers a lot of issues like politics, weight, etc etc. Do you think this sets you apart from a lot of other queens?
In all honesty I do think so yes, but I’m not alone. I am one of a handful of performers that are working so hard to get the exposure we all deserve. Meth + The Familyyy Fierce work rather close with us House of Grand Parade girls, we’re taking over and the world isn’t ready for it. Crystal is feminist, though I feel if you’re not feminist you don’t stand for equal rights which makes you an asshole…Sorry not sorry. Whenever something in the world pisses me off I end up telling Crystal and she does her thing to spread the awareness.
Have you always performed under this name?
I performed under another name for around two years before Rococo, but I am unable to divulge any more information for fear of being revealed as a horrible & talentless man.
What are your first memories of doing drag?
My very first memory was squeezing into my friend’s little sister’s fancy frocks, much to my parents’ dismay. In my mid-teenage years, I began to play heavily with gender in my boy looks, but the turning point was when I was drumming in my brother’s band at 17. The female fiddle player & I were raiding our local pantomime costume cupboard for suitable attire. We soon both found ourselves in ornate wedding dresses and I never looked back.
What were you doing when you were doctoring dolls?
As a slightly gender-confused child growing up in the grey & violent North East of England, I was never allowed dolls, although I always dreamed of a Barbie to call my own. I made up vicariously for this in later life, scouring skips & charity shops for them. Some came to me with missing parts, so I simply gave them what they lacked. My personal favourite was little Selma, who had a fluffy cat head, bird feet & a furry pussy.
Who are your three most diverse influences?
Marlene Dietrich, Egon Schiele & Nicolas Cage.
Will THOGP be adding any new members?
Not in the foreseeable future, unless we have a Shannen Doherty/Alyssa Milano situation. HOGP will always be #ThePowerOfThree.
