KY Kelly is one of the hottest new cabaret acts on the UK scene and won this year’s Boyz Award for Best New Cabaret Act. She loves chicken nuggets and would love to be sponsored by Greggs.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and bred in Throckley, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, however moved to the Midlands where I was raised in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
And where do you live now?
Me, my husband Matt and the kids – Daisy, our chihuahua, who is four, and Hugo, our troublesome pug, who is two – live in Uttoxeter.
What do you love about London and why?
Coming from the Midlands and a quiet town I always enjoy the hustle and bustle of London. There is so much culture and diversity and something exciting around every corner. As a huge fan of the theatre and musicals a show is always on the to do list.
What was the first gay venue you visited?
My friend Lucy and I first ventured onto the gay scene just after my 18th birthday. We ended up in Missing in Birmingham feeling very overdressed wearing shirt, trousers and a tie. Little did we know.
Favourite club/bar/venue in London and why?
I don’t think I can choose between the Two Brewers, the Admiral Duncan or Halfway II Heaven. I’m far too lucky to work in so many amazing places in London and have a great relationship with both the bars, staff and the people who come out to see me, I just couldn’t chose one!
What does winning the Boyz Award for Best New Cabaret Act mean to you?
Having been doing drag for over four years, I have been lucky enough to travel the country and work in some fantastic bars and clubs. My new year’s resolution last year was to break in to the London scene. With the help and support of fellow queens and bar managers I was lucky enough to be given my first opportunity at Halfway II Heaven by the wonderful Heather, which opened other doors at other venues. Winning the award was the icing on the cake.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
I got to see The Band, the Take That musical, at a local theatre, The Regent in Stoke-On-Trent, last November with friends. Having watched the TV show I was really looking forward to seeing it on stage and it didn’t disappoint, so much so I went and caught it again a few weeks later.
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
McDonald’s chicken nuggets. However, if you asked anyone who came to one of my shows they would probably say it’s Greggs. You can’t beat a Greggs sausage roll. Can you get them to sponsor me?
Biggest extravagance?
I’ve recently purchased a Kia Sportage with all trimmings, something I’ve worked hard to get and wanted for a long time. I also like to travel and one of my favourite places to visit is Las Vegas – the lights, the shows, the sun, you just can’t beat it. It’s also where I’ve been lucky enough to see some of my musical icons such as Cher, Celine and Britney Bitch.
Best gift you’ve ever received and why?
As many people will know I enjoy a selfie. So last year one of my stocking fillers from the husband was a self light. It has to be the best gift as it means I am camera ready at all times and hides the three of the four chins.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Winning the Boyz Award was certainly a highlight. I feel the transition from male singer to drag artist is complete and I am living my dream. Singing and performing is my passion and I get to do it for a living.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to and what made it so good?
Being a Geordie we know how to party. Every family party is wild, messy and fun. The bar is dry and the dancefloor is never empty. Memories are made and everyone has a good time.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Although I’m a gobby girl I have struggled with my confidence, sometimes letting it effect me and my work. I was told by a fellow queen and great friend these two bits of advice: “Be the best version of you, keep striving to be a better entertainer and give your audience your energy”; and “Pay no mind to what someone thinks about you, it’s none of your business. The are not paying rent in your head, don’t let them live there”.
Who is your LGBT+ hero and why?
Russell T Davis. Queer as Folk aired during a time I was questioning my sexuality and the show enabled me to answer questions about myself and how I felt at the time. The show was a huge platform for the LGBT+ community at a time when homosexuality was still very much in the closet in the media.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on Twitter and why?
Donald Trump. Everything he posts is a joke. And a recent favourite is Andrew Brady from The Apprentice and CBB. I love his bromance with Courtney Act and he regularly post funny videos.
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
Can I be greedy? I want a two-in-one holiday. Australia and New York. Sun, sea and… SHOWS!
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
BE YOURSELF and fuck the haters!
Kelly is at Via Canal Street this Saturday and at the Thompsons Arms on Sunday, both in Manchetser.
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