The belle of Belfast wants to explore India, fell in love with London at gone but not forgotten, Stallions club, and loves a Harveys Bristol Cream and Coke at Halfway II Heaven.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
And where do you live now?
I now live in Kensington, Olympia, West London, with my wife, Sonia, and Lena, our Boston terrier.
What do you love about London?
I love London; the mix of cultures, the old architecture, the people and the energy the city gives.
What was the first gay venue you visited?
I was 15 when I went to my first gay club in Belfast. It was illegal to be gay, never mind underage! I loved it. Being a chicken, I got a lot of attention. My first in London was the tea dance at Stallions. I fell in love with London that night.
What do you think of the state of cabaret and drag on the scene now?
I love it. It’s so diverse. We have singers, gag tellers, lip syncers, political acts and glamazons! And of all ages, from 18 to 85.
Favourite club/bar/venue in London and why?
Halfway II Heaven because it’s like a local pub in the West End and a cabaret powerhouse.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
Follies at the National. It’s a drag queen’s dream. Faded glamour and a fantastic score.
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
Harveys Bristol Cream and Coke.
Biggest extravagance?
Buying a house.
Best gift you’ve ever received and why?
My dog, Lena. My ex gave her to us to get over a very sad period of our lives. She’s a beauty.
Who is your LGBT hero and why?
Peter Tatchell. He has dedicated his life to LGBT+ and human rights.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
All of the Prides I’ve been asked to do around the world – the UK, USA, Australia. It’s such an honour and very humbling.
If you could go back in time which year would you choose and why?
I’d love to be a rich flapper in the 1920s with bobbed hair and shorter skirts, going around being decadent.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to and what made it so good?
If I can remember that it wasn’t worth going to.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Never get your ambitions and your capabilities mixed up.” Thank you Jessie P Biscuit.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on Twitter and why?
Bette Midler is political and funny. And Jennifer Saunders makes me laugh.
What is your favourite Kate Bush song and why?
The Man With The Child In His Eyes reminds me of all my lovers and to be myself.
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
India. I’d love to travel all over and explore. Soak up the culture, people, noise. Just like I do in London.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
Moisturise and always wear sunscreen. And enjoy every minute.
Rose will perform at Sunset: A Celebration of the Music of Kate Bush this Friday (22 Sept) from 9pm at the RVT.
She’s also in Golden Girls: A Musical at the Two Brewers from next Thursday (28 Sept) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live, again at the Brewers, late next month.
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