The new British drag docu-series ‘Drag Queens of London’ features some of London’s most well-known drag queens. In part five of our exclusive interview series with the queens of the show, we sat down with Vicki Vivacious in a one-on-one interview to get to know her better.
Also be sure to check out our previous interviews with Meth, Rosie Beaver, Miss Cairo and Vanity von Glow.
Meet Vicki Vivacious – ‘Drag Queens of London’
About ‘Vicki Vivacious’:
Drag name: Vicki Vivacious
Hometown: Redruth, Cornwall
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Current Location: Watford
Birthday: 24 June 1986
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Interview:
Dragaholic: Why did you decide to use the name “Vicki Vivacious”?
Vicki Vivacious: It’s crazy but I remember where I was and who I was with when choosing my drag name, I was sat in Balans cafe with my best friend Rob! At the time I had an extreme fascination with The Beckhams and loved Victoria, so I decided Vicki we then sat for hours deciding a second name scribbling ideas on to a pad. After £££££’s worth of coffee we decided on Vivacious. I loved it and I loved the double V so it stuck, she was born!
D: How many years have you been doing drag?
V: I have been doing drag now for 5 years but only earning money from it for 4! I think people think they can work straight away nooooooooo sir, expect to work the scene for free for a long time! You need to prove you have what’s needed then you can ask for coin!
D: Who inspired you to do drag?
V: There were a couple of things that inspired me if I’m honest, being a dancer I used to travel Europe dancing at a lot of gay pride events for singers and drag acts! I think that’s where I first got the bug, I have always been creative and loved being artistic, I knew that drag could be very creative and the thought excited me!!
The movie Priscilla was my biggest inspiration, I loved the movie from the second it started. The thought of doing drag excited me so I started putting a 15 act together to see if I was any good.
D: How competitive are you?
V: Omg VERY!!!!!!! But it’s my downfall also, I hate myself if I fail and I know I could have done more to prevent it!! I think if your not competitive then get out of the industry. There are a lot of hungry bitches out there. If you don’t like the rules stop playing the game.
D: What are you strongest at in drag: makeup, hair, costume, performance or all of the above?
V: It has to be my look!!!! I spend a fortune on wigs, jewellery and outfits!! All of my wigs and eyelashes are from the fabulous Clutching at Curls in Australia (free wigs please). When the wig arrives I have it styled by my wig guy in a theatre where it’s baked in a wig oven before styled. I hate a lazy queen with a dodgy weave. Ok we all get bad hair days but there comes a time when you need to start taking steps forward and evolving your look!!! Some queens get worse I don’t understand it; it’s laziness. Spend money and you make money.
D: What is your personality like out of drag?
V: Well despite coming across like a bitch in episode one, I consider myself a kind caring person who adores family and friends. I treat people how they treat me! I have a business head on my shoulders and think drag is so much more than getting pissed and not remembering your show the next morning! I’m always thinking of new ways to make my self better, what I have is never good enough I always want to be better.
D: How long does it take you to get in drag… from start to finish?
V: We’ll I have two types of drag face. I have a fuck I’m running late face, which is 45 minutes, or I have a normal workday, which is 2 hours! I have an order I do things in first it’s face then I do a wig prep with stocking cap and pins, I then put on my tights and the magic underneath to hide what I need to, I then move on to hair, I carefully place and glue my wig in to place spraying if it needs it, then I get dressed and finally it’s jewelry. I love having more time than I need. It relaxes me before a show.
D: Which celebrity/entertainer inspires you?
V: I adore the glamour and style of Marilyn Monroe and the old movies. It’s just magic to watch. It was just effortless and she always wanted to better her self. A million miles away from Marilyn is Katie Price!! What a business women! She is underestimated and I think she is so clever I love her work ethic. She is a very clever women and a very nice person, we have met several times and shared a cock…….tail in soho. Love her!!
D: What special talents do you have? (i.e. backflips, splits, firebreathing, etc.)
V: Well that would be telling 😉 …. Being a dancer I’m flexible so I will leave that to you to have a think.
D: Who is your favorite queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race?
V: Good question, I love Courtney Act! I think she is stunning and, like my self, serious about the job. It’s not just a piss up at a gig; she wants to give the audience the best gig ever! The effort she puts into her look is second to none. I have never met Courtney but I hope I do a cheeky duet would not go a miss! She has proven you can be a drag queen and work off the gay scene. She is a household name and I will be to so let’s hope we become best friends 🙂
D: Do you design and produce your own outfits and costumes?
V: I always have a good idea in my head of what I want but I cannot sew to save my life, I guess it’s something I would love to learn. My friends always say I spend too much money on costumes but I say you get what you pay for. I pay £100’s for a good out fit but it lasts!!
D: What can people expect to see from you on the ‘Drag Queens of London’?
V: I’m so happy to say I’m featured very heavily in episodes 5, 6, 7 & 8! Me and my partner in crime Richard! You get to see me perform with the Supreme Fabulettes it’s a girl band that all turn up to rehearsals ;)!!! My parents come to stay with me and you see us perform for gay ski week in France and try to ski!! My highlight yet to come is me and Richard taking a ski lesson before France TV gold!! You get to see me let loose and have fun, you see my party side I’m not as serious as I come across I promise!!!
D: Which queen did you enjoy working with the most on the ‘Drag Queens of London’?
V: It has to be Richard. Most of my scenes he is there, he is like my London mum! I love him to death. He can be hard work at times and his hearing is not what it was but he has still got it. He makes me smile even when I think I could not smile again. He is an amazing friend and I feel lucky to be sharing my scenes with him. I think we need our own chat show don’t you???
D: Thank you so much for your time today. Is there anything you’d like to add before we go?
V: I have had the most amazing time filming the show, I’m being me and if you get me you get me if you don’t you don’t. I’m an honest person and if there is a problem I will say it to your face I hate fake bitches and this TV show showcases soho’s finest!!!!
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 >
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