Returning for its tenth year, Drag Idol gets underway in a few weeks’ time with a spectacular launch party. This year’s competition takes in venues from the whole length of the land, and will occupy almost three months of the cabaret calendar.
Having produced the likes of Tanya Hyde, Baga Chipz, Son ofa Tutu, La Voix and Martha D’Arthur, who have all carved out successful careers after winning, it is, without doubt, the unrivalled cabaret talent search in the UK. This week our very own cabaret reporter, Jason Reid, who has acted as a judge for the last four years, and is often referred to as ‘head judge’ by organiser Titti La Camp, shares some tips on how to impress the most esteemed of judging panels…
“For me, being a judge is about using the knowledge and experience I’ve attained from working with and watching different genres of cabaret artists over the years. I always try to keep an open mind, be fair, and give constructive feedback. You have huge responsibility, but thankfully, with that, comes the satisfaction of seeing the artists you have nurtured develop and grow.
“There are no hard and fast rules for winning. But there are elements, both practical and technical, that the panel will look out for. The first place to start is with your PLANNING AND PREPARATION. Rehearse until you are sick to death of hearing the song/doing the routine. By the time your heat comes around you should be 100% confident with your spot. Trust me, if you rock up with some half-arsed routine that has had no thought or creativity injected into it, the judges will know. If the venue you’re going to be competing at is new to you, then go along one evening to watch someone perform there. Get a feel of the vibe, the clientele and the dimensions of the stage.
Experiment constantly with your MAKE UP AND COSTUME. Get a friend to give opinions, too. Fresh eyes are always great. Remember you’re on a stage, so dress for it; you should stand out from everyone.
If used correctly SOCIAL MEDIA is the most powerful promotional tool you can ever have (and it’s free). On the run up to your heat, drum up support amongst your friends, create an event and plug it a couple of times a week. Don’t over promote. This will have the reverse effect. Try to keep your artist profile as professional as possible and separate from your civilian profile. You’re creating a brand. You don’t want to tarnish that.
Throughout the competition you’ll hear the word ‘unique’ banded around a lot. While this is important, you should always stay true to yourself and your art. Making a good IMPACT on the audience is essential. So, quite simply: aim to entertain, capture the audience/judges’ attention instantly, and look to keep that engagement for the full ten minutes. This sounds like a short amount of time. But it can be an eternity if it all goes tits up.
On the NIGHT OF YOUR HEAT check everything before leaving home. Getting to a venue and finding you have a heel missing from your drag bag is going to instantly get your night off on the wrong foot. Do not expect the sound engineer at the venue to play your tracks from an iPhone either. Always try to have them on discs if you can.
When you hit that stage, do it with CONFIDENCE (even if you are crapping yourself inside). It’s only natural to feel nervous. Some of the most seasoned performers suffer from stage fright. Try to channel that energy into the performance. Never perform solely to the judges. If you isolate the crowd, they’ll soon get bored. If you MAKE A MISTAKE, smile and move on. Never stop! This will kill your flow and nerves will take over. If you feel like your ‘banter’ is going badly, move on to a song or another part of your act. Remember, you want to keep the audience engaged. Have a contingency plan for such eventualities.
Always take on board and respect the JUDGES’ FEEDBACK. They are there to support you and share their cabaret knowledge.
Finally, something that I regularly say from behind the judges’ table, is ALWAYS HAVE FUN! If you’re having fun then the chances are this energy will rub off on the audience.
Participating London Venues
Two Brewers, Clapham
Admiral Duncan, Soho
Halfway to Heaven, Charing Cross
West 5, Ealing
The George and Dragon, Greenwich
Central Station, Kings Cross
The Old Ship, Limehouse
The Victoria, Walthamstow
Midlands and The North
Rainbows, Coventry
The Village Inn, Birmingham
The Flying Handbag, Blackpool
Queens Court, Leeds
REM Bar, Manchester
Eazy Street, Newcastle
The White Hart Inn, Wolverhampton
Wales and The South
The Cliff, Southend-on-Sea
The Forbidden Fruit, Hastings
Charles Street, Brighton
The Palace, Bristol
The Golden Cross, Cardiff
• For details on how to enter this year’s Drag Idol visit www.dragidoluk.com
• The launch party will take place at the Two Brewers (114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ) on Thursday 10th April.
