Ahead of headlining Don’t Tell Mama at Butlin’s this January, Courtney Act spoke to Gay London Life about Drag Race, panto, queer audiences and why bringing people together matters more than ever.
More than twenty years after Australian Idol, did you have any idea that audition would change your life?
We didn’t really have the internet yet, and I didn’t know what Australian Idol was. I’d probably heard about American Idol in a magazine and thought I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I did because it became such a pivotal moment in my life.
What do you think Shane knows now that Courtney didn’t know back then?
How to be open to advice while still trusting your own instincts. The best wisdom from other people doesn’t replace your intuition, it helps you hear it more clearly.
RuPaul’s Drag Race introduced you to a global audience. What do people still misunderstand about Courtney Act?
Through social media, podcasts and TV shows, people have a pretty good understanding of who I am. I actually love that we now have the ability to tell our own stories and shape our own narratives.
You became known for having important conversations about gender and sexuality on Celebrity Big Brother. Did you realise how significant those moments would become?
Not at all. I was locked in the house and had no idea how people were reacting. I was just having conversations with housemates about things that interested me. It was only afterwards that I realised how much those discussions resonated with people.
You’ve always balanced entertainment with advocacy. Is that a conscious decision?
I think just by being visible you’re already advocating. Sharing different lifestyles and perspectives naturally creates conversations and gives people permission to ask questions about themselves and the world around them.
What still excites you about performing live?
Being on stage is my favourite thing. Every audience is different, and in cabaret especially, they help shape the show. Those moments happen once and then they’re gone forever. That’s what makes live performance so special.
You’re headlining Don’t Tell Mama at Butlin’s next January. What attracted you to the event?
I’ve heard so many great stories about the fun people have there. I love the UK, I love the line-up, and I think it’s going to be a really fun weekend.
What can audiences expect from your headline set?
All of the above and more. Lots of great songs, a lot of fun with the audience, some glamorous looks. I cannot wait.
January can be a bit bleak in the UK. Do events like Don’t Tell Mama offer something more than just a weekend away?
Absolutely. People have something to look forward to after Christmas and New Year, then they get to spend time with friends and be entertained. That’s genuinely something special.
What do you think LGBTQ+ audiences are looking for when they come together at events and festivals?
I think people want escapism. They want to put the world aside for a weekend and have fun. When it’s a queer audience and allies together, you can let your guard down and enjoy yourself.
Before Don’t Tell Mama, you’ll be spending Christmas in Brighton starring as The Genie in Aladdin. How excited are you?
Super excited. It’s my second panto and this time it’s Brighton, which I love. I’m playing both the Genie of the Lamp and the Genie of the Ring, so there’s double the stupidity, double the fun and probably double the outfits.
What surprised you most about doing panto?
How much families love it. Seeing grandparents, parents and children all enjoying the same show together was genuinely moving. It’s such a joyful tradition.
Brighton has long been one of the UK’s most iconic LGBTQ+ cities. Are you looking forward to spending more time there?
I’ve always known Brighton as this queer wonderland and I’ve been many times, but this will definitely be the longest stretch I’ve spent there. I’m looking forward to getting to know the community properly.
Finally, what do you hope audiences take away from a Courtney Act performance?
I hope they have fun. There’s something powerful about a group of people coming together to share a live experience. If people leave feeling hopeful, inspired and a little bit freer than when they arrived, then I’ve done my job.
Book Your Place at Don’t Tell Mama!
Courtney Act headlines Don’t Tell Mama at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis, from 29th Jan – 1st Feb, 2027. Expect world-class cabaret, live music, comedy, club nights and one of the friendliest weekends on the LGBTQ+ calendar.
For tickets and information, visit: www.dont-tell-mama.co.uk
