Bring back our girls (and a few fan faves from international seasons of Ru Paul’s Drag Race), and get ready for the ultimate festive extravaganza. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and these Queens are ready to sleigh.
RuPaul’s Drag Race queens are landing in Australia, and they’re bringing a Christmas extravaganza that’s gonna jingle your bells in the best way possible. The fabulous minds behind World of Wonder and ITDEVENTS have teamed up to deliver the most glamorous, glittery, and gloriously festive event of the season.
The Princess Theatre in Brisbane is set to be transformed into winter wonderlands as some of Drag Race’s fiercest queens hit the stage with holiday cheer, killer performances, and looks that’ll make your jaw drop. We’re talking glitz, glam and endless holiday magic you won’t want to miss.
Starring an exclusive line-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty including Alyssa Edwards (Season 5, All Stars 2, Global All Stars), Coco Jumbo (Down Under Season 1), Kitty Scott-Claus (UK Season 3, Global All Stars), Lemon (Canada Season 1, UK vs. The World Season 1, Canada vs. The World Season 2), Tessa Testicle (Germany Season 1, Global All Stars), Karen From Finance (Down Under Season 1) and Aussie fave Kween Kong (Down Under, Global All Stars).
We spoke to Kitty Scott-Claus before the Aussie tour about everything from how she got started in drag, to her best makeup tips and fave drag anthems.
What influenced you to start drag? How did you get started in drag?
I started doing drag at a Girls Aloud tribute night at a bar in Camden. I was a musical theatre actor before and was always cast as drag queens or ugly sisters in pantomimes so was dabbling in drag and make-up years before I officially started performing as Kitty. My best friend is a drag queen and they were doing a Girls Aloud night and needed someone to play Kimberley and I jumped at the chance, plus I’m prettier so how hard could it be, and the rest is history.
·What was something that had a significant impact on your persona/style?
Growing up I always had Barbie dolls- and what I loved was that it didn’t matter what the occasion or career they were in there was always an outfit or look to suit. Barbie can do it all, and that’s how I think of drag- change the outfit and you can take over the world.
What advice/tips would you give somebody starting to drag?
Do it because you LOVE it! Not to get onto Drag Race. And also find what makes you you and do it to the nth degree.
What does a ‘day in the life’ look like for you?
I’m on my sporty spice/ fitness hype at the moment so every day I make sure I train in the gym, swim and do a run (or a hot girl walk if it’s not a run day). I like to make sure I do some physical exercise before getting into drag because I know once I’m in drag that’s work mode- so always try and get a good workout in before.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I’m newly alcohol-free so my pre-show ritual no longer includes having a bevvy with the girls. I like to have a decent amount of time to get ready- I hate being rushed so making sure everything is laid out and ready to go.
What’s one myth about drag queens that you’d like to debunk, and what’s the reality?
I feel like everyone will say it’s not as glamorous as it looks- but if you’ve watched Drag Race you’ll know that already- but really it isn’t… Drag hurts!
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Myself. lol jokes I think it’s really important to have good friends and family around to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
If drag queens were desserts, which one would you be and why? (e.g. zesty and vibrant like a lemon meringue pie?)
I’d be a strawberry tart, cus I’m sweet, I like strawberries and I’m a bit of a tart.
What are two pantry essentials you can’t live without?
Chia seeds! I’m obsessed with chia pudding atm! And Yorkshire tea bags! Can’t beat a good strong cup of English breakfast tea!
What does an average day look like food-wise? What do you eat/drink throughout the day?
I have chia pudding and fruit every morning for breakfast, then for lunch, I have a Huel protein shake, and then I have a salad with some protein for dinner.
You can invite three people to a dinner party, dead or alive. Who would they be?
Princess Diana obvs, Jane McDonald cus I love her and Duncan James from Blue cus PHWOAR.
What are your two favourite drag queen anthems?
Anything by the Spice Girls!
Who is your favourite Australian music artist?
Kylie Minogue! Is there any other option?!
What is your favourite book of all time?
Lol, I read Queens, not books.
What are the must-have beauty products for a drag performer?
I swear by anything Fenty! Fenty foundation, primer, lip gloss, the skincare, the SPF! Incredible!
How do you choose the perfect lip colour to compliment your look?
I’m obsessed with a glossy nude lip, I always do a MAC Cork liner, with MAC Whirl lipstick, into a MAC Honeylove and top with a Fenty gloss for my ultimate nude lip.
What’s the best way for a drag performer to recover physically and mentally after an intense show or tour?
By allowing yourself to have a life outside of drag. For the longest time, drag was my everything and I would live, sleep and breathe it- which is amazing; but also allowing yourself time to enjoy other hobbies.
What is your favourite wellness product or tip?
Get out and do some exercise. It’s only ever gonna have positive effects! And in the words of Elle Woods, “exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy- happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t”.
What are some drag queen-approved tips for building confidence on stage or the runway?
Allow yourself time, people are there to watch you and enjoy you so don’t rattle through your set, let your jokes breathe and land.
WHEN Brisbane 17 November, 8pm.
WHERE: Princess Theatre
TICKETS: Available via the website. VIP Packages available: Holiday Hoes & Sugarplum Fairy VVIP Access (visit the website for more details)
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
