The new British drag docu-series ‘Drag Queens of London’ features some of London’s most well-known drag queens. In part seven of our exclusive Q&A series with the queens of the show, we get to know The Very Miss Dusty O a little better as she spills the tee about herself and the show.
Also be sure to check out our previous interviews with Meth, Rosie Beaver, Miss Cairo, Vanity von Glow and Vicki Vivacious.
Meet The Very Miss Dusty O – ‘Drag Queens of London’
About ‘The Very Miss Dusty O’:
Drag name: The Very Miss Dusty O
Hometown: Walsall
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Current Location: London
Birthday: 6 July 1966
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Interview:
Dragaholic: Why did you decide to use the name “The Very Miss Dusty O”?
The Very Miss Duty O: My drag name was given to me by bullies at school as I loved Dusty Springfield. At the time they were all in to Duran Duran but I loved 60’s music and they started calling it me because of that. The “O” was added later by myself. I have never really liked it much but it stuck.
D: How many years have you been doing drag?
TVMDO: I have been wearing make up and looking androgynous since I was 15, but full on drag began in the very early 90’s at the kinky gerlinky club nights.
D: Who inspired you to do drag?
TVMDO: I grew up in the 80’s so fashion and music was a lot more mixed up then. I have been friends with Boy George for 25 years and he had a lot to do with encouraging me to do what I wanted visually.
D: How competitive are you?
TVMDO: I am not competitive at all. I believe in doing what you want and not letting other people’s opinions or what they are doing interfere in it. The only person I am competitive with is myself as I try and better myself.
D: What are you strongest at in drag: makeup, hair, costume, performance or all of the above?
TVMDO: I think my make up is pretty good. I am high maintenance and it takes a lot of time but I am happy with the result.
D: What is your personality like out of drag?
TVMDO: Pretty similar. I do not pretend to be anything I am not.
D: How long does it take you to get in drag… from start to finish?
TVMDO: Minimum 3 hours to do it to the standard I like.
D: Which celebrity/entertainer inspires you?
TVMDO: Most of them are dead. I love Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis and British comedians like Tommy cooper and Les Dawson.
D: Who is your favorite queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race?
TVMDO: I don’t watch it. It does not feature in my life really. I have enough inspiration and entertainment from my British compatriots.
D: If you had to choose three adjectives to describe your drag persona, what would they be?
TVMDO: Slick, polished, approachable
D: Do you design and produce your own outfits and costumes?
TVMDO: Most of my outfits are Westwood or vintage.
D: What can people expect to see from you on the ‘Drag Queens of London’?
TVMDO: Reality. I did not fake a thing, either opinion or personality.
D: Which queen did you enjoy working with the most on the ‘Drag Queens of London’?
TVMDO: Lady Lloyd and I have a long friendship so it has to be her. She is the best thing about the whole programme and I adore her. Also Munroe, as I admire her calm and sensible attitude to her situation.
D: Thank you so much for your time today. Is there anything you’d like to add before we go?
TVMDO: Trannyshack is every Wednesday at Madame JoJo’s (in Soho, London). I have run it for 10 fabulous years and it is stronger now than ever. I am hugely proud of my baby.
The first episode of ‘Drag Queens of London’ debuted on Tuesday, April 22 on London Live! (Freeview 8, Sky 117, Virgin 159 and YouView 8).
Meet All of the ‘Drag Queens of London’
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London’ Star Meth >
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London’ Star Rosie Beaver >
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London Star’ Miss Cairo >
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London’ Star Vanity von Glow >
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London’ Star Bourgeoisie >
Meet ‘Drag Queens of London’ Star Vicki Vivacious >
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