It's a moribund November evening, but at the O2 Ritz Manchester the show is in full swing. The British drag elite join forces with the American for one night, in the annual #DXP show organised by Holy Trannity. One act among the Brit offerings immediately stands out. Joe Black is marvelous, for lack of a better word. Praised by everyone from Amy Winehouse to Jimmy Carr, this self confessed 'Gin drinking cabaret darling' is not a performance to be missed.
I was given the opportunity to ask the person behind Joe Black about his inspirations, the UK cabaret scene and of course - his dream show.
It’s heightened, I suppose. I’m not quite like I am on stage 24/7, but there is definitely an element of it in my personality because it has to be drawn from somewhere!
Describe Joe Black in 3 words.
Ridiculous. Ludicrous. Wonky.
Themes of old Hollywood/Vaudeville are constants through your work - have these things always interested you? What draws you to these eras?
I find it endlessly fascinating and inspiring. The image draws so much more than just “Oh, that's nice”. You can feel it and imagine an entirely different world.
Some wouldn't recognize your style of drag as it isn’t the usual man in a wig lip syncing Britney - has this ever made you feel different? Or has it never really bothered you?
Not bothered by it! It sets me apart as well, I suppose. I do what I enjoy and what I find aesthetically and artistically pleasing. I have zero interest in trying to be the usual. I want to be someone people come to see and enjoy because it brings them something new.
How long have you been doing drag?
Hard question. I’ve been performing my particular brand of musical nonsense for close to 9 years now. I’m not sure it would really have been considered ‘drag’ until about maybe 2/3 years ago. It’s always been drag in a way, because it's always been makeup and costumes and heightened image wise. My act has developed and grown and I usually go through a kind of physical metamorphosis every year or 2! It’s been a strange sort of natural development. I never actually said “Hey. I’m drag!” but people just started doing it for me and I eventually just went "Yeah, ok then. I’ll take that."
What have been some memorable moments for you while performing?
Supporting Eddie Izzard at the Southsea Comedy Festival was definitely a highlight. Performing at a packed out stage at the Wave Gothik Treffen Festival in Germany was incredible. I’m very lucky to be welcomed into so many different circles and I get so much joy from it. One moment I’m at a comedy festival… the next i’m at an alternative music festival. Then at a Burlesque show! It’s what keeps it fresh for me.
You are a prominent member of the UK cabaret scene - how did you discover a love of cabaret?
Just the whole idea of it appeals to me. I was never really interested in serious theatre and never pursued that. Cabaret was the aim from the beginning with me! Musical theatre I love, but I know I don’t have that kind of voice. Cabaret is just so interactive and that 4th wall breaks down which involves the audience and that can result in some of the greatest moments for me.
Who are some of your favourite performers on the UK scene at the moment?
I absolutely love Tina T'urner Tea Lady, to the point of obsession frankly! She’s… Tina Turner.. but a tea lady! So simple, but it's absolutely hysterical. I could watch her for hours. I also think drag performer Mary Mac is wonderful and every time I see her I love her act more and more.
Burlesque wise I have a large place in my heart for Velma Von Bon Bon, kindred clown spirits. I also love Eliza Delite, her attention to detail and her grace is astounding.
What would your dream show look like?
A dark smokey room with a spotlight on a grand piano. Candle lit tables. Everyone dressed up to the nines. Cocktails.
What advice would you give to a newer performer?
Work HARD. Very hard. Take advice and don’t be a dick! At least don’t publicly be a dick. Talk to your friends about the things that irritate you to get it out of your system then be absolutely fucking CHARMING to everyone. No one is beneath you.
Massive thanks to Joe Black. Photography credit to Scott Chalmers Photography and Joe Black.