Drag Idol UK is back for its 20th year and has helped start and catapult the careers of some of the best in the cabaret scene. They held a truly epic launch party on 26th February in the iconic Two Brewers in Clapham to celebrate. Hosted by living legend and previous winner, Son of a Tutu, the night contained performances from previous contestants Monroe, Mama Tasty, Flick The Drag Queen, Victoria Scone and the only current drag KING winner of the competition, Louis Cyfer.
The competition is searching for the next cabaret star and is open to singers, musicians, comedians, drag kings, and drag queens. The list is endless! As long as you can entertain a crowd and think you have what it takes to get to and win the final, this nationwide competition is for you. Applications are still open, so head to the website https://www.dragidoluk.co.uk/ and enter it now before spaces fill up.
Last year’s competition was bigger than ever, and the winner was superstar songstress Shar Cooterie. Flick caught up with her recently to find out what she’s been up to over the past year.
How has life been since winning Drag Idol? What have you been up to?
It’s not been half bad! I’ve gotten to visit a bunch of new cities and venues and perform even more than ever – I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve also continued to develop and promote my hometown scene with the help of the lovely community there! We’ve even got our own local bar now – The Dragonfly Lounge. Drag Idol 2026, watch out!
How is Drag Idol different from other competitions you have done?
The scale and range! It’s a nationwide search, and the brilliance of it, to me at least, is that each year, each participating venue and city gets exposed to a new class of up-and-coming drag talent. What more could you want?
Do you have a top tip for anyone entering Drag Idol?
Get comfortable with a mic and know what your hour’s set would be if you won.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Three things:
– Don’t accept criticism from anyone you wouldn’t ask for advice.
– The make-up doesn’t know what it’s for… so play around.
– Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
Who or what are your drag inspirations?
Suzy Eddie Izzard is my comedic hero. To have received even the slightest comparison to her in last year’s final was euphoric! I love Me & Herr, Sasha Velour, Myra DuBois, Juno Birch, Leigh Bowery, Bob the Drag Queen, Danny Beard – anyone with a strong and unwavering sense of self!
What’s next for Shar?
I wish I knew, but I’m going to keep on keeping on, enjoying the ride, and remaining open to any opportunities that head my way! I hope the universe is listening!
Applications are open to enter Drag Idol UK 2025, with heats taking place throughout the country at some of the top cabaret venues on the scene. The grand final will take place on Thursday, 26th June, at The Two Brewers, with regular updates that will be shared on all socials at @ukdragidol.
Drag Idol 2025 venues and dates:
ADMIRAL DUNCAN LONDON: Heat 1 8th April, Heat 2 15th April , Heat 3 22nd April , Venue final 29th April.
CENTRAL STATION LONDON: Heat 1 – 20th April, Heat 2 – 4th May, Heat 3 – 11th May, Heat 4 – 18th May. Venue Final – 25th May.
QUEENS COURT LEEDS: Heat 1 – 6th May, Heat 2 – 13th May, Heat 3 – 20th May. Venue Final – 27th May.
HALFWAY TO HEAVEN: Heat 1 – 31st March, Heat 2 – 7th April, Venue Final – 14th April.
MARYS CARDIFF: Heat 1 – 23rd April, Heat 2 – 30th April, Heat 3 – 7th May, Heat 4 – 14th May, Heat 5 – 21st May, Venue Final – 28th May.
THE TWO BREWERS LONDON: Heat 1 – 2nd April, Heat 2 – 9th April, Heat 3 – 16th April, Heat 4 – 23rd April, Heat 5 – 30th April, Venue Final – 7th May.
VIA MANCHESTER: Heat 1 – 27th March, Heat 2 – 3rd April, Heat 3 – 10th April, Venue Final – 24th April.
VILLAGE INN BIRMINGHAM: Heat 1 – 10th April, Heat 2 – 17th April, Heat 3 – 25th April, Venue Final – 1st May.
EDEN BAR BIRMINGHAM: Heat 1 – 11th April, Heat 2 – 18th April, Heat 3 – 2nd May, Venue Final – 22nd May.
WALTHAMSTOW TRADES HALL LONDON: Heat 1 – 9th April, Heat 2 – 16th April, Heat 3 – 23rd April, Venue Final – 30th April.
MARILYNS LOWESTOFT: Heat 1 – 6th April, Heat 2 – 13th April, Heat 3 – 26th April, Venue Final – 11th May.
COCKATOO CLUB MANCHESTER: Heat 1 – 14th March, Heat 2 – 21st March, Heat 3 – 28th March, Venue Final – 4th April.
CHARLES STREET TAP BRIGHTON: TBC,
