Essex queen Cheryl would love to visit the wreck of the Titanic and thinks Confessions On A Dance Floor is Madonna’s best album.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Essex, which isn’t obvious from the orange glow on my face and lack of IQ.
And where do you live now?
I still actually live in Essex. London is far too expensive for this cheap Essex queen so you’ll find me driving to my gigs in a full face of make up scaring the commuters of the M25. Was quite funny when I broke down the other week on the motorway…
What do you love about London and why?
I’ve always had a love for London from a very young age. I couldn’t think of anything worse than being stuck in a remote quiet area, so the constant hum throughout the city is very comforting. There is so much diversity in our city that anything and everything is welcome.
What was the first LGBT venue you visited?
The first LGBT venue I visited was in my hometown in Essex and it was called Smiths. It was a tiny little bar with a massive pole in the middle of the dancefloor, which, after a few voddy Red Bulls, became my best friend.
What is your favourite venue?
My favourite venue was Her Upstairs in Camden, before its unexpected closure last week. It was where my drag career really took off. It was a venue where anything was welcome to be brought to the stage and was the most supportive, welcoming atmosphere I have ever encountered in my performance career. It was my home, my family’s home, and I’m so sad it is no more.
How would you describe Cheryl Hole?
Cheryl Hole is the Gemma Collins of drag. A sassy, hard-working ball of energy who is a bit dim but always full of laughs (whether you’re laughing at her or with her).
Favourite Madonna single and why?
My favourite Madonna single would probably have to be either Hung Up or Music. I think Hung Up wins though, purely because I love a dance track and if I can feel it running through me I’m 100% there. Also, the sampling of ABBA within the track was genius. And whoever created the mash-up of Hung Up and Cher’s cover of Gimme Gimme Gimme is a GOD!
Favourite Madonna album and why?
Confessions On A Dance Floor. No explanation required. Just listen.
Favourite Madonna music video and why?
The first music video that comes to mind is Ray of Light, purely because I can’t get the vision of Peter Griffin from Family Guy after he drinks Red Bull out of my head. Don’t judge me!
Other notable music videos I love include Material Girl, Hung Up, Give Me All Your Luvin’, Vogue and Sorry.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
I’ve been very slack going to see shows recently. I’ve been dying to go see my incredible friend Vinegar Strokes in Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. I’ve seen Dreamgirls three times in the West End and I get goosebumps every single time I see it. The cast is truly phenomenal.
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
I love falling into a Loose Women and This Morning YouTube (Cheryl) hole on my day off and just watching those videos for hours. Then I end up on weird conspiracy theory videos and have to turn my computer off.
Biggest extravagance?
Petrol. It’s all I seem to spend my money on.
Best gift you’ve ever received and why?
The best gifts I ever receive are the ones that may not be the most extravagant or expensive presents, but have special meaning and thought behind them, which my amazing boyfriend surprises me with all the time, and that is so special to me.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
A true highlight has been being able to work internationally and share my nonsense with other countries. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I’m given that I sometimes can’t believe what I’ve done in the space of two years. Another highlight has been performing and hosting alongside one of my favourites, Alyssa Edwards, several times, and hearing “Miss Cheryl…” echoing down a corridor in her Texas accent when she’s in the venue still makes me laugh. It is an honour to be her UK drag daughter.
If you could go back in time which year would you choose and why?
1966. I don’t know why, it just sounds like a fun year to type into a time machine.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to and what made it so good?
I went to a house party where we played Lady Gaga all night. Well, all I remember was Gaga, unless I passed out, so to me it was a great night.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Work your hardest, be polite to everyone you meet (you never know who they are) and never let anyone bring you down because you are a star.
Who is your LGBT+ hero and why?
Anyone who is not afraid to walk the streets as their true authentic self.
Who are the most entertaining people you follow on social media and why?
My drag sister Tayce is the most hysterical person on her Instagram stories – just the crazy stuff she gets up to and the back catalogue of pop culture she is constantly referencing at any given moment… ‘COME ON *INSERT PHRASE*, AMAZE ME!’
Where in the world would you like to visit before you die and why?
Where the Titanic sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, but I don’t think that is going to happen. If anyone has a submarine they want to lend me, slide into my DMs.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
That I shouldn’t be dying my hair from such a young age and be a balding queen now. Also, to enjoy Freddos while they are 5p.
Cheryl Hole is performing at LUVMDNA: 60 Years of the Queen of Pop this Friday (17 Aug) from 10pm at The Clapham Grand, 21-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1TT.
Book advance tickets at designmynight.com
Recommended for you
