Fanny Burns travels the country’s biggest and best LGBTQ+ venues every weekend armed with witty banter, sparkly dresses and a back catalogue of songs! Graham Robson caught up with one of the UK’s top drag sensations to discover why we all need a little Fanny in our lives, even in lockdown…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Fanny Burns here, born in the Midlands and been doing drag for just over four years. I’ve always been in entertainment from a young age but professionally since 2000, starting in clubs and pubs as a male vocalist and then on to Haven Holidays, and now the wonderful world of drag.
How have you been spending lockdown?
I have been embarking on a massive life adventure – buying my first home with my partner. So days have been filled with packing and sorting prior to the move and more recently unpacking and decorating, as you can imagine it’s keeping us busy.
Has Fanny popped up online?
I always make sure to keep the Fanny followers updated by hosting a Lockdown Live every Wednesday at 7.30pm on my Facebook page. Viewers can nominate a song they wish to hear the following week, in the style of Paul O’Grady and the Lockdown Llama provides music for a Share Raffle where five people, who share the feed the week before, win a I Love Fanny Burns badge… Add to that a Disney Song of the Week and it adds up to be a pretty busy show.
As a queen I am inspired by Lily Savage, I feel her comedy timing and content was amazing. That harsh style and cutting comments, but always making people laugh with her, not at people. It’s a skilful balance and I admire her talent.
Drag queens have been busy online…
Sadly I’ve not managed to catch much online with the move, but I have caught a few drag shows on Drag Diva Lockdown, between packing and sleeping. The thing I like about this page is that any queen that applies, gets a slot! No matter if they are a seasoned professional or popping on a dress for the first time.
What do you miss the most?
As with most people, I am totally ready to get back to live performing. As much as the live feed (on a Wednesday at 7.30pm) is a much-needed creative outlet, there is nothing like a live audience where you can interact and have banter. One of my favourite places to perform is Weston-Super-Mare, I’ve been their hostess for Pride for three years and lockdown has put a halt to a fundraiser that I was very much looking forward to. We had planned to raise funds for Weston-Super-Mare Pride by getting people the sponsor me to jump out of a plane! Sadly this has been postponed but I am sure we will revisit it in 2021.
Has lockdown disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community?
I feel everyone has been hit hard by this pandemic and it will certainly change things going forward. The LGBTQ+ community is strong and as soon as those venues and services are open, I am sure people will be there to support the scene again. Who doesn’t need a drink in a bar after all this?
Words of wisdom to see us through?
All I would say is be kind to each other and be supportive, be an ear for someone and just drop someone a call, even if you haven’t spoken to them in a while, you do not know what others are going through and that call might just pick them up and help them get though. I hope everyone is staying safe and finding plenty to do during this lockdown and I can’t wait to be performing LIVE again on a stage near you. Much Love, Fanny.
MORE INFO
Facebook – @fannyburnsdragofficial
You must be logged in to post a comment.