After nine successful seasons in London, the Next Drag Superstar competition starts this week in Brighton for the first time.
Brighton-based Felix Le Freak, co-producer and head judge, told me: “The London event has grown into a community of LGBTQ+ performers, working together in cabaret, panto and one-off shows.
“As a Brighton resident I thought it was high time it came to Brighton.”
The contest, hosted, founded and also co-produced by drag performer Soroya Marchelle, aims to discover and encourage young and emerging drag performers, who will be set a series of weekly tasks.
The season opens with two heats this week at Patterns on Brighton seafront on 10 and 11 July, with 25 contestants being whittled down to 10 hopefuls who will go forward to the first contest night on 17 July.
A different contestant will win each and another will be eliminated. The winner will progress to the following week plus receive a £150 paid gig. The ultimate winner will bag £1,000.
Felix is no stranger to drag contests, having been in several and being the winner of Drag Idol 2018. It’s not surprising as their background boasts a couple of theatre and performing qualifications. “I was told by the judges that I was a drag Victoria Wood; I’m quite pleased with that.”
But they are a well-known comedy writer and musician too. They’ve just finished a Fringe season of their own show Men And Other Problems.
Felix told me: “Some of the contestants have very little experience; some may never have been on a stage before. We’re here to encourage them and give them a supporting environment.”
Tickets HERE
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