Rococo Chanel, host & co-creator of Polyglamorous, pushes the boundaries of drag with their drag sister, Lydia L’Scabies. Here, they catch up with Graham Robson to spill their guts and tell us what they’ve been up to during lockdown…
Hey Rococo, tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello! My name is Rococo Chanel and I am a transgender drag performer! In more ordinary times, you can catch me haunting Polyglamorous at CHALK, The Powder Room at Club Revenge, or perhaps performing with Cinebra at Brighton Fringe!
How have you been keeping yourself occupied?
I was recently part of Donna Trump’s Queeriosity Unplugged, which was a wonderful show with drag performance from all around the world! It was received incredibly well and also raised over £2,000 to help fund NHS PPE masks for the frontline medical staff! There will be another on May 2nd, so keep an eye out!
I also streamed CINEBRA: A History of Horror, an award winning musical comedy from myself and my drag sister, Lydia L’Scabies, which was a joy to be able to share while we’re unable to get out and perform at the moment! It’s been wonderful to connect with our audience online, and see how eager people have been to adapt as viewers to watch and support drag, during this strange time that’s taken a toll on a lot of artists.
Do you miss audience interaction?
Preparing, performing and seeing the audience react in real time to the shows, brings an adrenaline rush that isn’t dissimilar at all to performing live. Or perhaps I have forgotten what it feels like, and will take anything!
Does performing to a camera come naturally?
I’ve worked a fair amount in front of a camera before, so it doesn’t feel too alien! Either way, everybody seems to be adjusting to the new norm.
Any tips to keep us sane during lockdown?
Read, write, paint, keep in touch with loved ones, enjoy the fleeting sunlight on your daily walk – whatever keeps you relaxed and happy. Now is the perfect time to start that hobby you’ve never found the time for!
What are your plans for when this is all over?
I live 30 seconds from the beach – I’ll be going straight there to enjoy what I’ve been missing! Then it will be time to plot and throw the best party Brighton has ever seen – we’ll be needing it!
What do you miss the most?
The freedom to come and go as I please! I’ve been in quarantine for 11 days now – I would appreciate even the chance to go and buy a loaf of bread!
Any words of wisdom to keep us going?
Keep as positive as you can – if you are isolated at home, try and enjoy the breather from day-to-day life! This is only temporary, and if we all do our part to keep each other safe, it will be over before we know it.
Instagram @Rococo_Chanel
You must be logged in to post a comment.