Meet The Glory’s LIPSYNC1000 Finalists!
By Ross Semple
This Wednesday it’s the final of LIPSYNC1000, Britain’s most prestigious drag contest and one of the biggest events in East London’s gay calendar (established 2004 in Bistroteque).
25 wannabe queens have made it into this year’s grand final after eight weeks of fierce, furious, fabulous heats at East London’s creative headquarters The Glory.
Created by and hosted by Jonny Woo with the help of his drag partner John Sizzle, the grand final will be judged by Graham Norton, Panti Bliss, Grace Dent and Sink The Pink’s founders Amy Zing & Glyn Famous.
As well as £1000 cash, but it’s not about the money – it’s about the notoriety and opportunities that follow. The Glory uses the contest to scout new queens for the likes of Glastonbury, Latitude and their National Theatre summer takeover. Some of the finalists have already snatched up gigs during the process!
The final will be hosted in an old-school theatre hall on East London’s De Beauvoir estate and sold out in minutes, but you can watch a free live-screening of the show at The Glory this Wednesday.
The Glory sent us photos by Joseph Wilson of this year’s LIPSYNC1000 finalists, with a little crib note from Jonny Woo himself for each queen.
BARBS
She’s the funny girl on this year’s final, she could be laughing all the way to the bank soon with a giant cheque for £1000!
BETH NECESSITY
She’s a newcomer, it was her determination that got her through. Now I’m ready to see her deliver on every level.
BIMINI BON BOULASH
Our firsts Heats winner this year, she gave us a drag/political Anti-Trump mash-up. One of two political entries I know of in this year’s final.
BOUGIE BOURGEOISIE
She’s a well-known queen, she’s been part of Meth’s Family Fierce and she was one of last year’s finalists. I’d say she’s a front-runner.
CAMILLE LEON
She gave us a straight-up fierce rock lip-sync. She has a very American ‘Paris Is Burning’ vibe about her.
COLA
She entered four heats until finally winning a place in the final ! I’ve no idea what she’s going to bring, but she’s hungry – she’ll pull out all the stops.
CRYSTAL BETH
She’s a seasoned performer, she performs at The Glory in Baby Lame’s Shit Show, she’s one for acrobatics and I’ve labelled her “The Body” this year.
FELIX LE FREAK
Entered twice and it’s her third time on the stage – is she the triple threat? I’ve got a good feeling about her.
FREIDA SLAVES
Apparently Baby Lame was responsible for getting her into drag… and now she’s set to takeover.
GEORGIE BEE
Miss “Sink The Pink” goes for a second crown, bringing an interactive take on a Girl’s World beauty toy. I’m expecting a lot of mess from Georgie! She’s one of two “female drag queens” who made it into this year’s final.
GINGZILLA
Straight from his award-winning run at the Adelaide Fringe, he’s actually bringing an incredibly slick and professional show. Another one to beat!
GRACE SHUSH
The bookie’s favourite, already since winning her heat I’ve cast her in my revival of A Night of 1000 Jay Astons!
JAMES MORGAN
This year’s performance artist finalist. Ru Paul’s Drag Race meets Game of Thrones meets Karen Finlay.
JOHNNY BONES JONES
I’m expecting big theatrics from Jonny, this was trashy drag taken to a new level. The crowd went crazy for him in his Heat, how will he go down in the final?
JORDI SHORE
I love Jordi, she’s part of The Glory family, performing in the final with Gigjii Hadid.. two of the hottest queens in and out of drag.
LADY V
This was her first time performing, she gave us a flawless lip-sync to Fergalicious, I’m looking forwards to seeing her step up to the drag plate at Wednesday’s final.
MARGO MARSHALL
It’s a lip-syncing competition, but her choreography could help snatch her the crown – and she does it all in six inch heels.
RUBY PORCELAIN
Old school, straight forward, living the lispync, loving the latex.
SABLE
Probably my fave lip-sync from everyone, she could be the dark horse.
SALLY MCFLUFFY
One of my personal favourites, I’ve never seen choreographic choices like it.
SHAYSHAY
Another former Miss Sink The Pink and a former LIPSYNC1000 finalist. High concept, high art, high expectations!
STELLA MELTDOWN
Mesmerising performance, I was transfixed. One of the biggest Glory cheers too… She’s already been snapped up by Sink The Pink!
SUE GIVES A FUCK
She looks stunning, channelling Hollywood glamour, putting her stand-up career on hold this Wednesday as she sharpens her tongue for lip-syncing.
THE PHOENIX
One of East London’s hot rising queens, already a star and part of The Glory’s performance troupe. She’ll be making her Glastonbury debut this year with us – as a result of this competition.
YSHE BLACK
She’s one of our national contestants! She got the train down from Birmingham for Heat 8, and now she’s in with a chance of travelling back first class!