Carmen Getit is the Events Manager and host at gorgeous new LGBT+ venue CMYK in Wimbledon. She loves Phantom of the Opera, her Chanel handbag, Courtney Act and garden centres.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from north London, Enfield to be specific.
And where do you live now
I live with my mum, dad, older sister, two turtles and a dog in north London.
What do you love about London and why?
I love London because it’s extremely diverse and has opportunities for anyone with charisma and confidence.
Can you tell us about your role at CMYK?
I’m the events manager, resident performer and hostess at CMYK.
What is that makes CMYK so special?
CMYK is special because we offer a classy and diverse environment for the lgbtq+ community. Our bar staff, entertainers and door staff are members of the lgbtq+ community and our sole goal is to create a safe place for lgbtq+ people.
Which performers do you like that have been at CMYK or are coming up?
Charlie Hides puts on a fabulous monthly show and it’s always hilarious. Lady Imelda also has an amazing presence and the talent to match. I also have been known to light up the whole bar with killer lip-syncs.
What was the last theatre show you saw, where, and what did you think of it?
Every couple years I always try to see the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, I’m never disappointed by how extra and glam the production is. I also like to go to the ballet around Christmas time and favourite has to be the nutcracker, it’s always the campest, most colourful and nostalgic show.
What is your guilty pleasure and why?
My guilty pleasure is probably going to garden centres and pet shops when I’m broke and bored. I love seeing loads of expensive yet completely useless things garden centres sell. I love watching rich old ladies decide between a giant potted plant or a Elvis Presley pillow and bed sheet set or even a pug themed water feature.
Biggest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance is definitely my huge makeup collection and my crazy long nails, which bring me a lot of attention and a great excuse not to do too much.
What are the highlights of your career so far?
Some of the highlights of my career have been performing at Hackney Empire, Clapham Grand, National Theatre River Stage and Latitude.
Best gift you’ve ever received
and why?
My grandma gifted me her Chanel handbag she had since the late 80s. I’ve got to thank Satan for still holding his end of the bargain when I sold my soul for a pair of pleasers.
If you could go back in time which year would you choose and why?
As much as personal hygiene, skin care and STIs were awful in the 1700s, I would of loved to be constantly dressed in opulent jewels and giant gowns, running through the hallways and garden of Versailles.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to and what made it so good?
The best party I’ve ever been to was a boat rave to a hidden island in Hackney Wick. It was Adonis which is London’s best queer rave. It was a magical experience full of fabulous queer people.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I was once told to approach life thinking of PPP, poised, polished and professional. Also cleanse, tone and moisturise twice daily.
Who is your LGBT+ hero and why?
I love what Courtney Act has done for the community by formally educating audiences that were ignorant towards trans people and feminine identifying people. But my biggest Hero has to be Marsha P. Johnson for the Stonewall riots and being an open trans drag queen like myself.
Carmen Getit works at CMYK, 105-109 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19.
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