Costume changes, songs, high kicks and plenty of chaos, Kitty Scott-Claus is bringing full Drag Race energy to As One In The Park this summer, where she’ll host the Cabaret Stage on Saturday 18 July. We caught up with her ahead of the festival.
You grew up in a big Birmingham family. How much did that shape the queen we see today?
Massively. I’m second eldest of six, so if you weren’t loud, you were invisible. It definitely shaped my sense of humour, which works perfectly for drag.
You trained at Mountview. Was drag always the plan?
Not consciously, but it was always there. I never wanted to play the boring male roles, I wanted to be Glinda or Elle Woods. Drag let me do musical theatre on my own terms, with better wigs.
You started in Gals Aloud. That’s a strong intro to drag…
Trial by fire. Straight on stage with a mic, filming time during costume changes. It taught me more than training ever did. You just learn how to work a room.
Your style leans into comedy and musical theatre. Intentional?
Not really, it’s just me. Kitty isn’t a character, she’s an extension of who I am, so the camp, the comedy, it all comes naturally.
On Drag Race UK, you never had to lip-sync for your life. Did that add pressure later?
Oh, completely. I realised after filming how rare that was. Going into Global All Stars, I felt the pressure to perform every single challenge. When I finally had to lip-sync, it was intense.
You were runner-up. Any “robbed” feelings?
No, I was just thrilled to be there. I’m not competitive at all. Even making it to the end once felt wild, doing it twice was beyond anything I imagined.
How did Global All Stars compare to the UK series?
Total chaos, in the best way. UK felt familiar, I knew everyone. Global was unpredictable, everyone was at the top of their game, which made it so exciting.
You’ve popped up everywhere on TV. Enjoying that side of things?
I love it. Everything that’s come from Drag Race still feels surreal. It’s such a privilege, and I’m just saying yes to everything.
You’ve also done theatre like Death Drop. How does that compare to drag gigs?
Completely different discipline. Theatre is structured, you can’t go off-script. Drag is chaos, you can throw in a joke, change things up. I love both for different reasons.
You’re often called “pure camp”. What does camp mean to you now?
Living your most authentic queer life. Being exactly who you want to be, no holding back. That’s camp.
How much of Kitty is you, and how much is a persona?
It’s all me. I just realised if you put a wig on, people pay more attention. Simple as that.
You’re known for being relentlessly upbeat. Is that real?
It is. I feel lucky to do this job. The world’s a bit grim sometimes, so if I can make people laugh, that means everything. Also, it’s just drag, it’s not that deep, hun.
You’re hosting the Cabaret Stage at As One. What drew you to it?
It’s a massive queer celebration. What’s not to love? And hosting the cabaret stage is so camp, I’m obsessed.
What can the crowd expect from your set?
Girl group bangers, chaos, a bit of carnage. Definitely some Girls Aloud and Spice Girls. I’m loving Sabrina Carpenter at the moment too. It’ll be loud.
Festival crowds are different. Do you change your approach?
You just go bigger. More energy, more interaction, get everyone involved. It’s about pulling the whole crowd in.
What does performing at something like As One mean to you?
It’s about visibility. Growing up, I never saw this kind of representation. To be part of it now, living openly and celebrating with everyone, it means a lot.
Most chaotic on-stage moment?
So many. I once went on stage with my dress fully open because the zip broke mid-change. Another time I got my heel stuck in a light and completely stacked it. You just carry on.
If someone’s never seen you before, what will they remember?
“That’s a tall lady.”
As One In The Park Festival lands in Walpole Park, Ealing on Saturday 18 July 2026. Pablo Vittar brings a UK-exclusive Club Vittar set, alongside Taye, Miss Vanjie and more across multiple stages.
Walpole Park, Mattocks Road, Ealing, W5 5EQ
Saturday 18th July, 12pm – 10pm
Tickets: asoneinthepark.co.uk
