Ingo, runs Wotever World, Bar Wotever, Non Binary Cabaret, London Porn Film Festival, Female Masculinity Appreciation Society, Wotever DIY Film Festival and more. Ingo is originally from Sweden, loves the RVT, coffee, Gay’s the Word and has a tattoo of a seahorse!
Where are you from originally?
Sweden, I have deep roots in the north of Sweden, but lived many years in Stockholm before I moved here.
And where do you live now?
In Oval with a friendly housemate who travels a lot.
What do you love about London and why?
I love the tempo and the opportunity of London. The diversity, the mix of people, stories and heart that makes it a great home town. Even if I need to get out of the city to catch my breathe as she can be a cruel mistress.
What was the first gay venue you visited?
Back in the 80s, my first gay male venue was in Stockholm, a place called Confetti, a perfect little mixed space with mainly gay guys and drag queens. To hang with dykes I went to LN (Lesbian Now!). When I moved to London in 1999 I went to Drill Hall for theatre, The Oak Bar, Vespa Lounge and Due South in North London for socialising and to party.
What do you think of the state of cabaret and drag on the scene now?
I love it, and I think it has evolved amazingly. Drag and queer cabaret fill a function of recognition, education and creativity that I totally adore. I’m so proud of all the acts I’ve seen develop over the years. Performers who I have seen grow since beginning or who I experienced at Bar Wotever in the early days of their careers, and now gone on to do such fantastic things.
Favourite club/bar/venue in London and why?
I LOVE Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I loved watching shows and then having the honour of being asked to host my Bar Wotever Tuesdays there. Walking through those doors makes me happy every week. The magic in that room that happens when someone is on stage is amazing. I also totally adore The Glory and what they have done there. I host a monthly evening in the basement, Non Binary Cabaret and it’s always such a special feeling, all sitting close together and anything can and will happen during the show. It’s a cosy ‘speakeasy’ feel to that space.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
I see a lot of theatre. Last one was Bullish at the Camden People’s Theatre. I totally recommend this play for all interested in gender and Greek mythology. A beautiful and important piece of theatre.
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
Coffee. I love a great cup of coffee and an espresso martini is my drink of choice. Other guilty pleasures are playing backgammon way too much…
Biggest extravagance?
Recently I invested in a skull silver ring for my middle righthand finger as a symbol of what I think of Brexit!
Best gift you’ve ever received and why?
A few years ago a friend of mine gave me the gift of a seahorse tattoo. She created it herself and it lives proudly on my forearm representing everything seahorses stand for, and my friend. It makes me happy every day, seeing it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Woah, too many to chose from, but I think the sheer fact that Wotever World is still happening and I am still allowed to do what I do and love is such a joy and pleasure, that’s a mega highlight for me. To be part of making spaces and platforms where people can grow and be inspired. To showcase and support a bigger understanding of gender, and create a London with a more diverse group of performers on stage is a true joy.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Do not worry what others think about you, they are busy thinking about themselves. Plus the one, my grandmother always said – ‘even roses need some shit to grow’.
Who is your LGBT+ hero and why?
I really like Jim McSweeney at Gay’s The Word for being such an enabler for all sorts of LGBTIQA books, information and interests and always learning and growing, that’s a true hero for me.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on Twitter and why?
I always really like Boi Box, Benjamin Butch, King Sammy Silver for drag king info, UK Black Pride, and Ms Lady Phyll for keeping it real and sharing important news and stuff. Plus Travis Alabanza, Munroe Bergdorf, Rubyyy Jones and Sadie Sinner for their opinions and thoughts.
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
I really would like to go to Melbourne, Australia. I just want a holiday in the sun, get away, I know people there and it sounds nice. I’ve never been to Australia so, I think it would be nice.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
I wish I knew that I would be enough. My decisions, my thoughts, are enough. Not having to strive and try to please others and that one day I would do a job I love so so much.
Bar Wotever is every Tuesday at the RVT, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11.
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