After seven weeks, forty five heat stages all over the country, over sixty competing acts, hours of judges deliberation and four sensational semi finals, just four lucky acts have made it to the Grand Final of Drag Idol UK 2013. Jason Reid speaks to all four finalists exclusively this week…
MARTHA D’ARTHUR
representing Halfway to Heaven
The love child of Rula Lenska and Bea Arthur, Martha is seventy-six years young. She got her big break in the pilot episode of Dynasty. But then Joan Collins stole her job.
What’s been the highlight of your Drag Idol experience so far?
Winning my heat final and being able to represent such an acclaimed venue – Halfway to Heaven. It signified a real acceptance for me.
Do you have a game plan for the grand final?
I’m just going to be myself. And the best version of Martha that I can be.
Sum up your act in five words?
Songstress, showbizz, show stoppers, sing-alongs.
Who cabaret acts inspire you?
Rose Garden, Sandra, Miss Jason, Titti La Camp and La Voix.
DUSTY SPRINGS
representing Rainbows, Coventry
Dusty has been unlucky in love as a man so has decided to try it as a woman – aiming to succeed in looks and career. Her ultimate goal is to win the Housewife of the Year award.
Why did you enter Drag Idol?
My real thirst began when I started going to the annual Regina Fong Gala. The old school flavour and slapstick-style, camp comedy inspired me to do drag. This is reflected in my act. I spent the last few years developing a character, and I decided that this was Dusty’s year.
You actually live in London, but you entered in Coventry…
Yeah, I was brought up there and all of my family still live there, so that’s why. My family were all there supporting me. I’m very proud to be representing Rainbows.
Do you have a game plan for the grand final?
I might do, yeah? [laughs] But I won’t be trying anything too risky. Not the time nor the place really. All I’ll say is: bring your dusters.
Which cabaret acts inspire you?
Growing up: Lily Savage. I regret never seeing her. Today: Sandra and Titti La Camp. If I could blend them both together that’d be my dream act.
TOPSIE REDFERN
representing The Black Cap
Topsie has just turned thirty and is having a pre-mid-life-crisis. She’s intensely career minded; singing and strutting from designer shoe shops to rendezvous with wealthy oligarchs, like an English Carrie Bradshaw. Sadly, realising her ovaries are about to dry up, she needs to find a husband. And fast. That panic drives her.
What’s been the highlight of your Drag Idol experience so far?
The semi final at Halfway to Heaven. The audience/atmosphere was electric. Also meeting so many nice drag queens, judges, and fellow competitors. I knew little about the drag world and assumed it’d be bitchy. It’s been the total opposite.
How did you come up with your name?
When I first started out I had no drag name and someone suggested that I use my porn name (your first pet’s name and your mother’s maiden name). My first pet was a black Labrador, Topsie, and my mothers maiden name is Redfern. It just stuck! Oh, any if my mum’s reading this, I haven’t really done porn (but I’d like to) [laughs].
What makes you stand out from the rest?
I think most people would say my soprano. But there are MANY strings to my bow.
MISS DEMEANOUR
representing The Palace, Bristol
Miss Demeanor is a thirty-two-year-old, hard drinking, hard playing drag queen who wears the pout of a trout and says it like it is. Watch out London the bitch is BACK!
What’s been your highlight of your Drag Idol experience so far this year?
Hearing my name being announced as the winner at the semi final was shamaaaaaaaaazing. And I’m the first queen to make it to two Grand Finals. What more could a girl ask for?
Yes, you made it to the 2011 final. What are you going to do different this time to try and secure the title?
I still remember the advice the judges gave to me in the 2011 final, so I’ll be taking all of that on board. But I don’t wanna give too much away now do I?
What makes you stand out from the rest?
I says it as it is. I never beat around the bush – that’s for the lesbians to do. I also put my own spin on everything I do.
Which cabaret acts inspire you?
Titti La Camp because she has inspired new queens by being the back bone of Drag Idol. Also Son of a Tutu for winning the crown in 2011 and for being shmaaaaazing.
• The Grand Final of Drag Idol UK 2013 is at the Two Brewers (114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ) on 21st June from 11pm.
