Lady James and Dame Connie Conway make up the all singing, all dancing double act of All Mouth No Trousers. Both hailing from a musical theatre background, with over thirty five years’ professional experience, the cabaret starlets/theatre luvvies took time out of their busy schedules this week to have a natter with Jason Reid about all things showbiz…
Jason: It’s lovely to meet you both. How and when did your partnership come about?
Connie Conway: Well we have known each other for about six years.
Lady James: But about four years ago I was shopping in Waitrose and went to Connie’s till.
Connie: So I asked her if she wanted a bag for life, and the rest, as they say, is history. We’ve been together ever since.
How did you come up with the name, All Mouth No Trousers?
LJ: When we first decided to try out as a double act we came up with three names. All Mouth No Trousers was the only one that was clean enough to put on an advert.
CC: Though I still wish we’d gone with my suggestion of ‘Winge and Fucket’.
So who wears the trousers, so to speak?
LJ: Well, she makes up the choreography and forgets the lyrics.
CC: Whilst she makes the costumes and forgets the steps.
LJ & CC: [speaking together] It’s quite a balanced partnership.
CC [to LJ]: GET OUT OF MY HEAD!
In all honesty now, what’s the best and worst quality in your partner?
CC: [laughs] Well she really makes me laugh, but she’s a slave to her bowels.
LJ: Connie still laughs at all my jokes but she sets off my irritable bowel syndrome something chronic. She’s also really easy to get in sync with, and she even finishes my…
CC: …sentences.
LJ: Thank you, dear.
Who are your favourite showbiz double act?
CC: Victoria Wood and Julie Walters. Absolute legends.
LJ: The Krankies. Fan-dabi-dozi!
How would you sum up your own act in five words?
LJ: Singing
CC: Dancing
LJ: Bitching
CC: Giggling
LJ: That’s only four…
CC: Fabulous!
Wonderful, and almost in perfect unison! Moving on; drag has had its ups and downs over the years, but there’s been a huge resurgence of late, with new performers materialising, and more venues introducing new regular nights. How important a role do you think drag plays on our scene today?
CC: For me it is the one thing that’s been a constant in the ever-changing gay scene over the years. That’s why it is very important for people like us to keep it going.
LJ: I think its role is less important in these more accepting days. But ultimately, it is our heritage. The LGBT community have adopted drag as their very own art form. It’s culture darh-ling! Culture!
You both come from a very theatrical background. How does treading the boards compare to late night shows in boozy bars?
CC: I love both, but working in the theatre doing the same show, maybe eight to twelve times a week, and sticking to the script can get a little repetitive. Having the freedom to decide what you’re in the mood to sing and wear is much more fun.
LJ: Also, West End producers can get a little bit funny about you walking on with a large vodka in your hand.
Finally, Connie, you’re appearing as part of another famous act, away from Lady James’ clasp, aren’t you?
CC: Yes, I’m one of the new ‘poofs’ in 4 Poofs and a Piano. Our show ‘Bigger, Louder, Harder, Longer’ is currently touring the UK. We finish up at the Charing Cross Theatre on April 14th. It’s all go!
CONNIE’S QUICKIES
The best aspect of being a drag queen is…
Getting paid to drink.
Your biggest regret is…
Not starting out in drag sooner.
Your drag idol is…
Two’s Company (Miss Jason and Maisie Trollette)
You are addicted to…
Over the counter pain medication.
Your prize possession is…
My little dog, Binky.
Your favourite musical of all time is…
A Chorus Line.
LADY JAMES’ QUICKIES
The best aspect of being a drag queen is…
Singing Jane McDonald songs.
Your biggest regret is…
Not being a Jane McDonald tribute act.
Your drag idol is…
Jane McDonald
You are addicted to…
Jane McDonald. It’s a hideous affliction.
Your prize possession is….
My Jane McDonald CDs.
Your favourite musical of all time is…
Evita. (Was Jane in that?) [laughs]
• All Mouth No Trousers will be at The Old Ship (17 Barnes Street, Limehouse, E14 7NW) on Sunday 31st March, starting 8.30pm.
