Let’s be honest we all love a good lip sync, whether it’s in your bedroom with a hair brush or on stage at your favourite cabaret hot spot. Following last year’s amazing contest, Lip Sync War is back at some of the UK’s best venues including The Two Brewers, Halfway II Heaven and the Admiral Duncan in London. Dave Cross had a catch up with organiser Marc Kelly to find out everything you need to know.
Hi Marc, so what’s the basic concept of the contest?
Take that pop song you’ve always envisioned performing at a packed Wembley stadium, and unleash your inner pop star. Lip sync as though your life depends on it and you may be handed £2500!
Which London venues are taking part?
The Two Brewers, Halfway II Heaven and the Admiral Duncan representing LGBT+ venues and also The Slug and Lettuce in Fulham is on board giving us a run for our money.
And what about venues outside London?
Our sister venues Via in Manchester, Mary’s in Cardiff and Queens Court Leeds are all flying the flag. Plus all Popworld and Walkabout venues across the UK and Rosie’s in Chester and Exeter. This year’s competition is huge!
Can you describe what will happen at each heat?
The London LGBT+ heats will be hosted by Mary Mac at the Brewers, Crystal D’Canter at Halfway and Baga Chipz at the Dunky. We’ve all seen the TV show, and basically you choose your song own the stage and sync your heart out. The venues will have a mix of judges and audience vote. Plus the audience will get their hand on some of the campest giveaways. They will be lip syncing at home for years to come!
If someone wants to enter, what do they need to do to prepare?
You need to choose one song which cannot be a mash up and it needs to sit comfortably in the massive pop bracket. You can bring your own version if you like or place your trust in our fabulous DJs. We can’t repeat songs on the night so get your application in early and claim your song.
What advice can you give to people entering?
Song choice is key, crowd pleasers will get you far. Then be as crazy as you like with it, and costume etc. You’ve got to stand out to get your hands on the cash.
How did the last contest go?
Last year Halfway to Heaven and The Two Brewers were the only LGBT+ venues taking part. Our heats and the semi-final were just amazing. Jimmy (Brewers) and Heather (Halfway) were so pleased we took the plunge in taking part. And of course The Brewers finalist the amazing Hazel Tyler aka Lick Von Dyk won the whole competition. We did claim it as a joint London victory and we hope to do the same again this year.
What can they win at the final?
The final is at Popworld Birmingham on 9 March. The night will be electric. The winner takes home £2500 and the runner-up a tidy £500 and there will be a little something for all those who make the final.
How do people enter?
Contact the venue you want to enter via email or social media with your name, phone and email address and they will get back to you with all the finer details. There is also a Facebook event for each heat in London, join them for the latest updates and see who you are syncing against!
Lip Sync War London heats are:
The Two Brewers Friday 2 February at 9pm
Halfway II Heaven Saturday 3 February at 8pm
Admiral Duncan Sunday 4 February at 8pm.
Check each venue’s Facebook for more details.
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