Lawrence – aka Tia Kofi, one third of The Vixens – spends most of his money on Skittle Bombs and coffee and loves watching the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix.
Where are you from originally?
Tia Kofi was born and raised in space on the planet Galifrey by her Vulcan father and Nigerian mother. Although not officially a Timelady, Tia enjoyed a short period of time travel and visiting alien worlds with her close pal, The Doctor. Lawrence is from Essex. That’s slightly less exciting.
And where do you live now?
I live in suburban Wimbledon with popular London drag queen Sum Ting Wong and relative newcomer and cabaret unknown Dixie Delight, who is a former member of the Vixens, and also my boyfriend.
What do you love about London?
There is always something to do. You can never be bored in London. It’s diverse and it’s always nice to see such a mix of cultures all falling under one umbrella term of ‘Londoner’.
First gay venue you visited?
The first gay bar I visited was Ku Bar in Leicester Square. I was definitely over 18 and not 15 using a ‘photocopy’ of my passport as ID. My lasting memory from that night is that a guy came over and started talking to us and when I starting speaking he shrieked “Sorry mate, I thought you were a lesbian.” My fragile masculinity was crippled.
Favourite club/bar/venue in London and why?
Halfway II Heaven. The Brewers. The Admiral Duncan. Central Station. The RVT. The Victoria. Her Upstairs. The Glory. I’m not picking one – I want bookings!
Last theatre show you saw?
I recently saw Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in the West End. I have to admit I am biased, as it features a former cast member of Rent, which we performed in the Two Brewers last year.
What is your guilty pleasure?
McDonald’s. It’s too delicious. Also the soothing, celtic vocals of Enya. And those Dairy Milk bars with Oreos in them. Ooh and the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix. I think I might be basic.
Biggest extravagance?
I’m not a big spender, which probably shows in how cheap my drag looks on stage. I literally spend most of my money on Skittle Bombs and coffee.
Best gift you’ve ever received?
Not so much a gift exactly, but my nephew being born is probably the best thing ever in the world. I went to meet him in the hospital the day he was born and it was such an amazing moment. Being born must be the worst thing ever though; you’re all cosy and warm and then suddenly everything is loud and gross.
Highlight of your career so far?
I think performing on the main stage at London Pride was a real highlight. So many people in Trafalgar Square all coming together and having a wonderful time. Also the final of Drag Idol 2015 was an incredible moment. Such an incredible atmosphere. To be part of that final was amazing. Oh, and of course winning the Boyz Award for Best Newcomer in 2015 and Best Panto in 2016 were very special moments.
If you could go back in time which year would you choose and why?
Erm, that is a tough question for a brown person, as there is a lot of history I should probably avoid. I’m going to say Regency England, because on an episode of Doctor Who a few weeks ago they said it was blacker than it looks in the films, and I trust Doctor Who more than I trust Wikipedia. Or maybe ancient Egypt.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Write it down” from Mrs Moore. And it’s true! I basically forget every creative idea ever unless I scrawl it on a piece of paper or make a note on my phone.
Who is your LGBT hero and why?
I feel like I’m supposed to go for world famous inspirations here, but I think everyone I look up to is much closer to home. Drag performers like Son of a Tutu and Rose Garden inspire me not to shy away from bringing a political angle to what we do and make a real statement. Even newer acts like Ripley give me that same inspiration. Anyone who makes you rethink what you want to do and how you want to achieve it is a hero to me.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on Twitter?
@LouisVirtel – he’s absolutely hilarious and should be a very famous man. He tweets some solid one liners, usually with a political or pop culture edge, which I love. @zekevivor – he was recently outed as trans on a US reality series, but separately from that he is a comedian and super funny. For Instagram, it has to be @cocosrevenge for the funniest Drag Race memes. Absolutely hilarious!
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
New York City: centre of the universe. I’ve never been but it seems so fabulous on TV.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
Everything is a lie. Grown ups aren’t really grown up, they’re just pretending to know better. You can still build a pillow-fort when you’re 27. Life is not that serious.
Lawrence stars in Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens from 15 to 18 June, and 22 and 24 June, at the Two Brewers, 114 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UJ. Book tickets via twoboxproductions.co.uk.
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