04/07/14: There was really only one place to be last Friday, and if you didn’t make it to the spectacular Drag Idol Grand Final then you missed out on the cabaret event of the year [tuts loudly], which showcased some of the best new talent in the UK right now. After over two months of heats, the top five gathered to perform their hearts out in front of a packed Two Brewers crowd, full of supporters, venue managers, scene faces, and the odd lush (me).
The mother of the competition, Titti La Camp, who has been at the reins from day one – ten years ago – was on hosting duties, and, as ever, did an impeccable job keeping the night running smoothly, offering kind reassurance and comfort to the acts. As is tradition now, the final had a fresh eyed judging panel, who’d not seen any of the acts perform throughout the competition, and they included our very own Greek-Cypriot goddess editor Cliff Joannou, last year’s winner Martha D’Arthur, 2012 winner La Voix, Boyz magazine’s Rob Dean, Kelly Wilde, and comedian Stephen K Amos.
Martha got the night underway with her take on Conchita Wurst’s ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’ (with a little Drag Idol twist), followed swiftly by the first act Coleen McColon, who reached last year’s London semi-final. Looking like a flawless pageant queen she worked the crowd well with her original character and humour. I just loved her parody of ‘Let It Go’ changed to ‘Me Giro’. That’s a keeper! The Sheriff of Soho LoUis CYfer was next up, and he notched the energy up considerably with a whirlwind set that had lashings of personality and confidence. The crowd loved him and went especially crazy for his final number. And rightly so, it was fabUlouis.
Matilda Von Mattress was third into the spotlight, and for an act that was only created in the last few months she did well, and looked great. A retro feel to the musical numbers and lots of detail in the character; she ended by raining confetti on everyone. Camp! One of last year’s finalists Dusty Springs returned for another shot at the crown, next, cramming in so much clever material, jokes and parody songs into a short time onstage. Everyone loved the ‘I’m a Believer’ number, waving those dusters in the air like nutters. Coventry gal Cherry Darling took to the stage last (to a fairly well lubricated audience by this point). Traditional drag performance done beautifully, with a polished look from head to toe (her hair was AMAZING), and assured stage presence. There were plenty of crowd-pleasing numbers from Cherry to end the competition with a bang.
After what felt like forever, the judges returned from their deliberations, where I imagine everyone had a big group hug and agreed instantly, in such an agreeable and civilised fashion (my sarcasm knows no bounds). And who would be crowned the Drag Idol star of 2014? It was to be the competition’s first ever drag king winner, and the first time West 5 has won, LoUis CYfer. Congratulations ‘fella’, from everyone here at QX.
Well done to all the acts in the final for putting on a damn great show, and all those who entered up and down the country this year. After ten years of immense laughs, the biggest and best gay cabaret talent search can surely say it went out on a high…
Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ
Words by Jason Reid
