Tea with Kings and Queens

This episode I was delighted to talk to ‘The Cheeks of the Peaks’ herself: burlesque performer Temptress la Tease. I was lucky enough to see Temptress live at back in February this year at Glorified; the plus size cabaret show which we celebrate at length in our chat. We also discuss audience interaction, getting star struck, how Temptress puts together a routine around her fibromyalgia, her love of the band Diversity, our mutual adoration of Rik Mayall and lots more. This episode is also guest starring Temptress’ lovely dog, Cyril. Enjoy! Temptress on Instagram Glorified Cabaret Instagram Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re still basking in the glow of Eurovision here in Liverpool, so today is a special Eurovision episode with Liverpool-based Franz Genau, a German Drag King, international cabaret comedian, and clown daddy of the Liverpool alternative scene. Franz is a host and producer, including Quiz with the Queers (a camp blend of pub quiz and Queer ridiculousness) and SPEW, the scratch night for young Queer performers. Every first Wednesday he also fills the airways with his own radio show DRAG DINGS, together with his partner in crime, Dan Chan. Franz performed all through the Eurovision celebrations here in the city and like me is a bit of a super fan. So as well as re-living all things Eurovision that have consumed the city over the last two weeks (including Sophie Ellis-Bextor playing a set in John Lewis), we chat about the German and UK cabaret scene, Franz’s very particular brand of drag: subverting masculine stereotypes with effeminate performances, and we also discuss the importance of scratch nights to encourage a new, diverse range of performers gain confidence. Enjoy! Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Franz (AKA Severus) on Instagram SPEW Scratch Nights in Liverpool Quiz with the Queers Drag Dings Radio Show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this extra special episode of the podcast, Migrated Kingdom of Drag take over! I was honoured to speak to members of this project which seeks to make cabaret and drag performance more accessible to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, especially people of colour, women, femmes and non-binary, trans and gender nonconforming people. It started as a collaboration between Polish Migrants Organise for Change (PMOC) and artist and drag king Rita Suszek. Thank you to these incredible artists for their time and for such an amazing chat about the transformative power of drag: Want to take part or see these amazing artists perform? Register for this year's workshops in Liverpool HERE by Friday, 21 April 2023 Participants from Migrated Kingdom of Drag may get the chance to perform on 9 May 2023 at The Migrant Cabaret, a life-changing, not-to-be-missed radical cabaret showcasing migrant talent, influences, voices and DJs through a queer lens. The show is brought to you by Eat Me & POMOC and is part of Xpresia Festival during Eurovision. Join us at QUARRY on 9 May (8pm til late). Reserve your FREE tickets for The Migrant Cabaret here This project is in part supported by Culture Liverpool and National Heritage Lottery Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I catch up with a true gem of the cabaret world: variety artist, juggler, comedian, the extraordinary gentleman, Mat Ricardo. A key figure in the international cabaret scene, Mat started out as a street performer in Covent garden, where he honed his craft, blending astonishing feats, with quick wit and sharp suits. Mat is multi-award-winning, taking his act all over the world, where he’s had had residencies in legendary venues, been on numerous tv shows and recently had a role in a Hollywood film. When we chatted had just finished touring his new show which he’d taken to the Edinburgh fringe. Alongside performing, Mat is a writer, speaker and photographer, and I really enjoyed his YouTube channel during lockdown and his podcast, Imagination and Junk, all about the creative process. It was an honour to spend time talking to Mat as I’ve been such a fan for many years, and this episode of full of his incredible stories, wit, humour. Enjoy! Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Mat’s Website Mat on Instagram Mat’s YouTube Imagination & Junk Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode am talking to a titan of the influencer world, UK based J-fashion & lifestyle creator, Addy Harajuku. With a following of over 100,000 Instagram followers and more than half a million on Tiktok, Addy’s content has earned her the title of one of the top UK based content creators within her field. She has modelled for key J-fashion brands and most recently has collaborated with koi footwear on her own range. Addy’s personal fashion is based in the Yamikawaii and Menhera subcultures. For those unfamiliar with J-fashion, Yamikawaii is a Japanese aesthetic that has an emphasis on dark themes and colors and Menhera fashion uses medical imagery like pills, plasters, and syringes. Its considered a ‘vent art’ style, regarded as form of art therapy that helps the wearer. In addition, vent art is now seen an important way to challenge social stigmas and encourage conversations around mental health. Addy’s content is a brilliant combination of Yamikawaii fashion and style, alongside informative and interesting videos about key cultural issues, including art theft, Asian fishing, cringe culture, AI art trends, and various issues around mental health and neurodiversity. Addy’s trademark honest, open and uncompromising style has made her one of my favourite creators, and in today’s chat we talk about her explosion online and all that comes with it, her journey in fashion and how it links to her own self-expression and mental health. Just a quick warning: There are swears in out chat plus discussion of self-harm and suicide, so listener discretion advised. Enjoy the episode! Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Addy on Instragram Addy on TikTok Addy’s collab with Koi Footwear Addy’s interview in Vice Magazine on Menhera fashion opening up discussions on mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the incredible Alabama Whirley: pole dancer, burlesque performer and producer of the North West’s first plus size cabaret show Glorified. Well known for her horror and gore themed routines, Alabama has also fast become a key voice for the plus size performer community, and in our chat today we talk about creating safe spaces and get very critical of the BBC…enjoy! Alabama on Instagram Glorified Cabaret Show Liverpool Horror Club Alabama’s article in Polyester Zine ‘Making Space for Glorifying Obesity’ Thanks to Joe Bailey for the music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I'm chatting to Rita Suszek, AKA drag King (and your Polish boyfriend) Janusz. I first discovered Janusz via digital drag where I hugely enjoyed his hapless yet likeable comedy antic as he attempts to negotiate the modern world. In my chat with Rita today we discuss the creative process behind forming a character, diversity in the drag scene as well as an exiting series of free workshops that Rita is bringing to Liverpool in a few weeks' time. Enjoy! Janusz on Instagram Sign up for Rita's free ' Masculinity for Beginners' drag workshops Liverpool The World Transformed: Mascs & Mascaras: The Radical Potential of Becoming a Drag King - Taster showcase, workshop & panel discussion Eat Me and Preach Club Liverpool is Liverpool's original, biggest and baddest alternative drag dinner cabaret and club night! Born of the desire for a radical and diverse community for queer performers and participants alike, drag queen and producer Auntie Climax birthed EAT ME back in March 2017. Since then EAT ME has grown up real fast and now boasts a growing alumni of talented acts such as CHRISTEENE, Ginny Lemon, HP Loveshaft, Kalypso Bang, Kevin Le Grand, Lasana Shabaz, Midgitte Bardot, The Nightbus, and SHREK 666. Polish Migrants Organise for Change (POMOC) is a grassroots political home for Polish migrant women and gender nonconforming people living in the UK to organise together towards dignity, power and justice. We build actionable solidarity between Polish communities and other migrant groups, while creating opportunities for anyone - at any stage of their organising journey - to grow their creative leadership and put it into action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m super chuffed to be chatting to Barbara, AKA brothers Henry and John, a Brighton based band who grabbed my attention when I saw them on tour with The Divine Comedy a few months ago; their 70's sound coupled with witty lyrics, energetic performance and a few excellent tank tops was irresistible and I've been listening to their new EP 'Mildly Entertaining' ever since. I caught up with the fellas via zoom and have a lovely rambly chat about that incredible tour, but also how Barbara is much more than a band, as we talk about various influences, comedy, cult films, books and even a bit of wrestling. Huge thanks to Barbara for the use of their music throughout the pod. Enjoy! Barbara Website: buy tour tickets and EP here! Barbara on YouTube Barbara on Insta Thanks to Joe Bailey for the intro/outro music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I am talking to the international burlesque sensation Perle Noire. Among her many accolades, Perle has been named one of the world’s top burlesque performers by 21st Century Burlesque Magazine for ten years in a row. After spending several years as a cast member in Dita Von Teese’s stage show ‘Strip, Strip Hooray’, Perle went on to complete a stint in Velvet – a musical starring Australian disco diva and superstar Marcia Hines at The Sydney Opera House. Perle continually challenges herself with new ventures, including performances with her award-winning dance company, The House of Noire and her new transformative Healing Through Seduction series. In 2020, she presented the world with The Noire Pageant, the only burlesque pageant dedicated to uplifting the BIPOC community through healing events. It was a true pleasure to talk to Perle as I caught up with her via zoom to hear more about her philosophy around healing through seduction and how she continues to push boundaries in her artform. Enjoy! Healing Through Seduction: Perle Noire Join Perle's Self Love Club- Newsletter Perle on Instagram Thanks to Joe Bailey for the music, Sam Murphy for the cover art and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In my 30th episode of the pod, I chat to brand new London-based Italian drag King, Papa Parmigiano. Despite being a brand new King, Papa has been dazzling audiences during the Man Up competition at the Glory in London recently. Today we talk about drag beginnings, inspirations and that now iconic performance at Man Up featuring a LOT of cooked pasta....Enjoy! Papa on Instagram (where you can see THAT performance at The Glory!) Man Up Drag King Contest Soho Theatre Cabaret & Drag Lab Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is my very first in-person interview for the pod and its with a true theatrical great of the UK stage: writer, director, actor and grand Panto Dame Mark Two. Mark has been starring in panto since the mid 1970s, and most recently has been bringing his warmth, comedy and fabulous frocks to the production of Jack in the Beanstalk currently on at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool. I was fortunate to catch up with Mark between shows to hear about his life as a panto Dame and extraordinary career so far. Enjoy! Jack and the Beanstalk At the Epstein Theatre Mark Two Character Productions Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode I'm talking to the wonderful Drag King Don One. London based Don has been thrilling audiences all over the country with their slick singing, hilarious chat and inclusive shows. Today we talk about mental health, the emotional impact of covid, their West End debut in the hit musical Death Drop and their most recent performance in panto alongside Divina de Campo. Enjoy! Don on Instagram Don One Chats Podcast Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This festive episode I'm talking to gorgeous red head and comedy genius Joyless. In this glorious rambly chat we talk about pageants, Peacocks, playing a Martian in 'Christmas on Uranus' and we even do Vogue's 73 questions. Merry Christmas and enjoy! Joyless on Instagram Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode I'm chatting with the sexy, ridiculous and macabre drag performer, Miss Terri Boxx. Terri has exploded onto the scene via digital drag during lockdown, and is now lighting up stages across London and the UK with their exciting, physical and sometimes horrifying performances. Today we chat about a whole range of thigns including their background as a cage fighter, shyness, nerd culture and papier-mâché. Enjoy! Miss Terri Boxx on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode I'm talking to the spellbinding writer, performer and self proclaimed 'South Asian drag monster' Yvy de Luca. Yvy has been lighting up the digital drag world with her creation The Bollywitch during lockdown, which she is now taking to stages all around the country. She is also the author of 'Tainted Beauty - The Memoir of an Authentic Creation', an honest and genuine account of her experiences growing up as a trans woman in Blackburn, UK. We chatted via zoom the day before her iconic performances at Queeriocity in Manchester (if you missed her live you can head over to her Instagram and see her incredible performances there). It was such a pleasure to talk to Yvy and in today’s episode we discuss her growing up queer and South Asian, prejudice in the drag scene, the murky world of publishing and becoming The Bollywitch. This one is a magical treat. Enjoy! Yvy De Luca Official Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm back! After a short hiatus over the summer, I'm back and chatting to the wonderful drag queen, costume designer and podcaster Kenzie Blackheart. Kenzie is an Essex based performer who has been dazzling with digital performances and is now taking the stage in real life, producing their own show, Hot Haus drag as well as finding time to co-host the marvellous podcast The Queens Speak alongside Tea with Kings & Queens favourite Shar Cooterie. Today we chat about Pokemon, Gaga, Robot Wars, and loads more. Enjoy! Kenzie on Instagram Hot Haus Drag Essex Kenzie's performance as Mimikyu for Rule 63's drag show, Gotta Snatch 'em all! Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I'm chatting to one of Newcastle's finest Kings: Rex Uranus. Rex is known for creating stunning male illusions alongside incredible character looks and performances which they've been lighting up TikTok with all lockdown. In our chat today we talk about all of that plus creating Rex's signature drag look, mullets, confidence, The Grinch, Jesus and more. Enjoy! Rex on Instagram Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I’m talking to the utterly gorgeous drag performer, singer, host and all round stunning clown: Shar Cooterie. Shar is a Colchester based performer who has spent the last year creating incredible and diverse digital performances, as well as producing their own show Rule 63 alongside Max Ryder and hosting the podcast The Queens speak with Kenzie Blackheart. We talk about all these things in our natter today as well as nerd culture, sheep-pigs, Winnie the Pooh and much more. Enjoy! Shar on Instagram Rule 63 Drag Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special episode of the podcast I’m talking to singer songwriter, Rozzz Queen. Rozzz is a Birmingham based artist who I first saw on YShee Black’s epic digital show case Blessed and Highly Flavoured back in 2020, and I was totally captivated with Rozzz’s incredible sound, which blends jazz and blues music with modern urban lyrics. We spoke the day before Rozz released her brand new EP ‘Damned if I Don’t, which as you listen to this will be out, so in this episode we chat about putting the EP together as an independent artist, fixing inner turmoil in lockdown, naked affirmations, Kat Slater and load more. As a extra treat Rozz also performs her track ‘No One Understands’ live towards the end of the pod. My sound quality is a wee bit echoey in this episode so I apologise for that, but you can hear Rozzz perfectly which is the main thing. Enjoy! You can find Rozz’s music on ITunes, Spotify and Soundcloud. Her EP ‘Damned if I Don’t’ is OUT NOW! Rozz Queen on YouTube Rozzz Queen on Instagram Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 20th episode of the podcast I'm chatting to the charming and stylish 1940's crooner & host, drag King Beau Jangles. Beau is a London based performer and a member of the The Family Jewels Drag King Collective, and has been making serious waves with their sharp hosting and golden voice for the last three years. I was lucky to catch up with Beau via zoom before he started performing live again after lockdown started lifting, and in this chat we talk about Old Hollywood, digital drag, the London scene and how drag can be used to educate and inform. Enjoy! Beau on Instagram (for more on Beau but also tons on drag King/ performers of colour history) Thanks to Sam Murphy for the cover art, Joe Bailey for the music and you for listening! Podcast by Carly Deering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.