This month’s cabaret spotlight, our very own Jason Reid, chats to cabaret superstar Chanel No.5 as they embark on a brand new show Affairs to Remember over at The Pleasantry.
Cabaret chanteuse Chanel N°5 is an artist that has always adored the glamour and salaciousness of times gone by, and the vintage queen is taking her love to another level with a brand new show called Affairs to Remember. Chanel spoke to me about this exciting new production which explores the lives and heartbreaks of Hollywood’s glittering stars.
JR: Hi Chanel, tell us about your new show and why you chose the theme.
My new show, coming to the Pheasantry on 12th October, is all about the failed romances of old Hollywood; think Taylor and Burton, Ava and Frank, and Marlene with just about everyone. I’ve always loved old Hollywood — if you couldn’t tell — so when this project came up I was really eager to give it a go. It’s something slightly different for me – I’m excited to explore a more demure side of Chanel and work with a team to create something magical.
JR: Are you departing from your pub roots for this show?
I wouldn’t call it a departure from my pub roots, just a chance to flex the muscles in a different way. I once had someone tell me that I’ll never be a successful artist until I’d done Crazy Coqs and the Pheasantry. This show is a lovely way to prove to myself and others that classic British drag has a space in pub venues and queer spaces as well as in the mainstream cabaret circuit.
JR: What will be different from your regular show?
We’ll have a live pianist, which is something I don’t get very often, and I’ll have a gorgeous man to play off — which’ll certainly be fun. The music is all classics and jazzy; think Judy or Peggy Lee with a generous helping of Broadway.
JR: Are you going all out?
Contrary to what drag queens usually do, we’re actually stripping it right back and really making it about the drama. I’ve got a gorgeous evening gown by Philip J Shaw and my co-star Luke Baker will be in a tux. We’re on stage the entire show so we thought we’d give the audience one fantastic look to stare at while the show goes on.
JR: Favourite salacious scandal?
Anything to do with Diana. I absolutely love her! Give me a good revenge dress moment any day.
JR: What makes for a memorable affair?
Scandal. If no one talks about what you did at brunch, you’re not trying hard enough.
JR: If you could live just one day as Elizabeth Taylor or Joan Collins, who would you choose and why?
I’d have to go for Joan Collins. Give me a power suit and some burnt champagne immediately!
JR: I know you love a good old gossip, just like me! What’s the best piece of gossip you’ve heard about yourself?
Oh, I’ve heard all sorts. Several people seem to think I’m horrible because I don’t smile all the time. Don’t they know smiling causes wrinkles?!
JR: Favourite non-smiling diva?
That’s a tough one. Joan Crawford, perhaps? I love her stoicism and nerve. She really defines an era and a style that I love to emulate.
Chanel N°5 stars in Affairs To Remember on Wednesday 12th October at The Pheasantry, 152 Kings Road, SW3 4UT
