Gay London Life | April '24 Edition - Magazine - Page 26
Cabaret Interview
Sc
an
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L o n d o n ’s l a t
es
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a
ba
re
te
ve n
ts
By
Jason
Reid
Stephanie
Von Clitz
My interviewee this month is an artist who
learned her craft from some of the absolute
best in the cabaret business. Which is why
when you go to a Stephanie Von Clitz show,
regardless of likes and dislikes, you’re
guaranteed to be entertained. Stephanie is
the genuine article…
What do you love and loathe
be a business person in my own
about performing on the LGBTQ+
right. I’ve always encouraged others
cabaret scene?
to do the best job possible, love
I absolutely love performing to a
what they do, stay away from drama
crowd that appreciates the art of
and get the money and go.
drag and is with you all the way.
You’re hosting a dream drag
Obviously it’s not easy all the time
dinner party and can invite 5 drag
but that’s what makes it worth it.
artists. Who are you inviting?
What I loathe about performing
Bette Rinse, Rose Garden, Son Of a
on the LGBTQ+ scene, is the
Tutu, Dave Lynn, Myra DuBois.
unpleasant drama and politics,
Your advice for drag artists who
which is why I always try my best to
are just starting out?
avoid it.
Enjoy the ride. Don’t rush anything.
How did the name Stephanie Von
Hone in on your art. Stay away from
Clitz come to be?
drama. Do what YOU want to do.
The name Stephanie Von Clitz is a
Heed constructive advice only. Just
combination of my real name and
because others are doing certain
Dita Von tease. Originally it was
venues doesn’t mean to say you’re
going to be Glitz but in the end I
doing anything less. You are valued
went with Clitz because I thought
and respected and YOU got this!
it would be more memorable.
Always remember, you can’t please
However, recently, for the first
everyone and you can’t work in
time in my 13 year drag career,
every venue. Some venues will only
I experienced cancel culture
book their mates but you’ll get to
because someone said my name
know this in time. Just keep going!
was child-like and I should go back
Away from the stage, what makes
to the drawing board. The cheek!
you happy?
Fave song to perform right now?
Spending time in a secluded dark
People will moan when they see
room… that’s not code for sauna by
this as I do sing it a lot but I just love
the way. Seriously though; because
singing Titanium because of the
I spend so much time performing
message I use behind it. Always be
and amongst people, when I’m off I
yourself, never let anyone judge
do really enjoy and cherish time to
you, and if they do — FUCK em!
myself away from everything. Also,
Which of your drag peers has
spending time with friends, seeing
influenced you most and why?
family in Dorset, and, when I can,
Bette Rinse — she was the first
binge watching Netflix or the soaps.
person who genuinely encouraged,
26
supported and massively helped
Stephanie Von Clitz performs
me to become the performer I am
at Admiral Duncan,
today. There are so many other
54 Old Compton Street,
artists I also respect. I’ve learnt to
W1D 4UD on Sunday 14th April
enjoy the job, be professional, and
at 6pm