The Cocoa Butter Club hostess Sadie Sinner loves Tracy Chapman and wishes she’d paid more attention in music and language lessons at school.
Where are you from originally?
My bloodline is from Zambia.
And where do you live now?
I live in North London with a comedienne from Texas, a drag queen and playwright from Singapore, and Superbabe from Dalston Superstore!
What do you love about London and why?
I love London like a I love a sibling/family member; we don’t always get on, but we’re related and I’ve known it all my life. I suppose I’m obliged. Though, London is what you make it – my London is queer and black and brown and white and sacred and courageous, creative, a battlefield, a marathon, a playground.
What was the first gay venue you visited?
Does Trannyshack at Madame Jojo’s count? In 2014, I was employed by Dusty O to film the competition and make promo videos. I remember Bourgeoisie and Ruby Wednesday, Tiffany Diamante, Snow White Trash and Jenna Cyde. I remember making my first drag friends. Then I met Vanity von Glow and the rest is a blur.
What do you think of the state of cabaret on the scene now?
Wild! It’s like an unkempt garden growing fast and wild and I love it. I love the colours I’m seeing, the new textures, the spaces it’s going and growing in to.
Favourite club/bar/venue in London and why?
Her Upstairs. It’s the home of The Cocoa Butter Club. It’s the venue that welcomes my cabaret and the audience it attracts. This venue is a home for so many queer creatives.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
Good question… I don’t recall, but I was most likely thinking “Why am I not on that stage?!”
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
I find no guilt in any of my pleasures…
Biggest extravagance?
I’d like to puff puff pass this question…
Best gift you’ve ever received and why?
A photo-frame filled with posters and newspaper cut-outs of the big theatre and annual charity shows I’ve produced in Harlow Town and Bishop’s Stortford. Given to me by my pal and co-producer of said shows, Anna Higgs!
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Erm, performing for 10,000 people at UK Black Pride with The Cocoa Butter Club, or perhaps being invited to Roundhouse with The Cocoa Butter Club, or when Jackson’s Lane Theatre invited us, or when The Hospital Club booked us as their New Year’s Eve main show. Maybe when BBC Three came and filmed us… anything to do with The Cocoa Butter Club! Also, when I took a freakshow I used to produce to Bloodstock. That was unique.
If you could go back in time which year would you choose and why?
Back to boarding school, just to tell myself to keep up those instruments and languages. Imagine if I still spoke German, Japanese and Spanish – I’d be a SUPER host.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to and what made it so good?
Our housewarming! When your bedroom is filled with beautiful black queers and Dylan Jones, and your living room filled with Dalston Superstore and there’s a queue for your bathroom but everyone still manages to leave at 5am when your best pal asks them to (because you’re passed out on your bed and she’s the best), that’s a good party.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be kind to yourself. My mentor, Kayza Rose.
Who is your LGBT hero and why?
Tracy Chapman. ‘Nuff said.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on Twitter and why?
@Otamere keep me informed on cool things. And @NotBenAgain is a total riot.
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
Bizarrely, no physical places. I’m well-travelled. I’d like to reach enlightenment and inner peace though.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
You’re not crazy. You’re existing on a higher plane. Vibrating at a higher frequency. Own it.
Sadie presents O’ Holy Night! The Cabaret Diva’s Christmas Concert at the RVT on Wednesday (22 Nov). Book tickets via vauxhalltavern.com
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