Interview - Glorian Gray

A connoisseur of good old-fashioned British humour, Glorian brings the laughter and spectacle of the old Music Hall back to the stage. Always the quirky comic; her acts are filled with iconic song, gender-bending sauce, novelty and physical farce.  Inspired by such legends as Morecambe and Wise, Buster Keaton, Marie Lloyd and Benny Hill, Glorian is on a mission to see a return of the burlesque and variety heydays.

Glorian is on a mission to see the return of the burlesque and variety heydays

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced you to start yourself?

I was at a point in my life where I was very unhappy with the way things were going. I was very much needing to get some magic back in my life, so when I saw an ad for "ladies of all shapes and sizes wanted for burlesque troupe", I thought I would give it a go. As it was I chickened out of being in this troupe, but a few months later I watched 'Faking It' when burlesque was the theme, and realised I still fancied it. I then saw an ad for burlesque classes and decided that this time I would go for it!

Glorian brings the laughter, song and spectacle of the old music hall back to the stage

How did you choose your stage name?

Glorian Gray is not my first stage name. I've had a couple of incarnations but I chose Glorian Gray because of the link with Oscar Wilde, who I love, and also because I am an avid writer so it felt really 'me'

"I chose Glorian Gray because of the link with Oscar Wilde, who I love..."

Your style of burlesque is pretty unique. How did it come about?

I've always done things a little bit different in some ways - firstly because I didn't really want to show pasties. There was no real reason for this, the ideas I had just didn't lead to it. My nana was a piano singer in the old WWII pubs and my great-granddad was a song and dance man so I was brought up with the old songs and good old British comedy. The more I read about proper old Music Hall, the more I loved it, and eventually decided I needed to start putting it in my acts. This meant daring to sing, in front of people and everything, which I haven't done since I was a wee bairn! Scary!

"I've always done things a little bit different"

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

I am really inspired by the humour of Carry On films, Benny Hill, Morecambe and Wise, Norman Wisdom and the old music hall stars like Marie Lloyd and Ella Shields.  I really love old rudey seaside style humour, like the postcards of Donald McGill. Oooh, Matron!

 

"Oooh, Matron!" Carry On Films ** Benny Hill

 

Morecambe and Wise ** Norman Wisdom

 

Marie Lloyd ** Ella Shields 

Donald McGill Postcards

Tell me something no one would suspect about you...

Errrm... I used to be a cyber goth with a 3/4 undercut and UV stacked boots?!

"Do your best to develop the best act you can"

Finally: any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Do your best to develop the best act you can: both for the audience and for the love of it. Don't get embroiled in, or scared off by politics; or get disheartened when things aren't going well. RESEARCH! Not just current acts but find out about the history of the art form you are practising; it will enhance what you do.  And be honest/realistic about your experience and ability: even if you are a PR genius - there is no shame in being inexperienced or mediocre or in making mistakes, almost everybody is at some point - just work at getting better!

"Don't get disheartened when things aren't going well."

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All that Glitters

After a busy week last week, I had a relatively quiet weekend this time! It was lovely though - I spent a few days choreographing a new act and re-working an old one, which is quite exciting!

 

Sneak-peek of the new costume and jewellery for my new act 'Midnight'

On Friday I was back at the beautiful Rouge bar, performing alongside the equally beautiful Ruby Deshabille.

Mirror Picture! With Ruby Deshabille

I took two of my Art-Nouveau acts: Cottingley Fairy and Peacock, to contrast with Ruby's classic showgirl routines. I really enjoy performing at Rouge as it is such a lovely venue and the audience was fabulous!

On Saturday I was booked for a private birthday party with a Moulin Rouge theme! They really went all out to make the place look gorgeous and all of the guests were dressed to the nines too!

 

Photos from the event

I took three of my big, showgirl acts and debuted my new routine too! It went slightly wrong but not too bad for a first try. The gorgeous blue costume was made for me by Louise at Oh My Honey, and it is stunning: I feel like a million dollars in it! The amazing matching organza boa is by Bruise Violet at Sucker For A Heartbeat; I've never had an organza boa before but I think I'm converted from feathers! I also invested in a new gown for my 'Sugar' act, which is super-sparkly and over-the-top fabulous!

Showgirl costumes, ready to go!

Showgirl, ready to go!

Private parties can sometimes be a little bit hit-or-miss but the party-goers were wonderful and welcoming, and I got so many lovely compliments after the show I came home tired but very happy indeed!

Mouse waiting for me at home - Cat in a box...

Bang Tidy

This weekend saw me heading up to Leeds for the wonderfully named show "Bang Tidy Burlesque" run by the indomitable Heidi Bang Tidy.

Backstage with Lilly Laudanum and Anna Fur Laxis

I was performing my act 'Snowstorm' for the final time before retiring this act - I have had it for so many years and I never felt it was working quite the way I wanted it too, so time to hang it up and concentrate on new ventures. However the show was fabulous and it was lovely to see so many old friends. I even got a few pictures back from the night already!

 

 

Pictures from 'Corbeau' and 'Snowstorm' by Laurie Cooper-Murray

Quote of the night came from Anna Fur Laxis: "Shall I show you how to kerb a mother-f**ker?"

I took a trip to Brighton this week to visit Louise O'Mahony who makes my costumes - we're working on a few new ones so it was time to get measured while wearing my tightlacing corset to make sure the dresses fit! Louise is fabulous and also runs my favourite vintage dress company 'Oh My Honey' 

 

A windy day on Brighton Pier

 

Sneak peek of my new costume bits...

I also managed to have a day off this week, and took advantage of it to go to the National Portrait Gallery with the beautiful Dolly Rose to visit the Marilyn Monroe exhibition.

 

Now those of you who watch the television abomination that is The X Factor will be aware of the head judge, Gary Barlow, using the words "Too Cabaret" to critique a singer that he believes is sub-par. The cabaret community didn't take too well to this insult, and so, organised by Frisky and Mannish, came together for a Cabariot Protest Video...

9:30 *A.M.*?? With Benjamin Louche, Joe Black, Vicky Butterfly, Coco DuBois, Victor Victoria, and Mat Ricardo

It was a long, tiring but utterly fabulous day with the cream of London Cabaret performers, all coming together in a cacophony of gospel vocals. We had brainwashing, sequins, passionate solos, convenient lighting changes, pizza, knives, witty one-liners, makeovers, endless tea, and lots and lots of giggling. 

 

Cabarati Assemble! ** Coco and Caroline take advantage of Joe's doughnuts...

 

Joe Black ** Vicky Butterfly

 

Laurie Hagen and Sally ** Mat Ricardo

I can't wait to see the final result... I shall post it here when it's ready! In the meantime, Mat has also written a blog about the Caberiot, with much better photos than mine! You can have a read of that here...

xx

Interview - Joe Black

The neo-vaudevillian, the real life Disney villain, the gin-addled courtesan, the anti-christ of cabaret and the one and only waltzing cynic... Eccentric to international stages, Joe Black takes to shows in an almost cartoon-esque theatrical assault, sweeping the audiences through an array of show tunes, ballads, and a rather varied but fine selection of morally questionable entertainment. Though seemingly unable to fit into any particular category, Joe Black has none the less defied description and taken to stages across the world.
Joe Black, or Mister Black, if you'd prefer? Is no stranger to the ridiculous, the sometimes disturbing, or the downright shocking world of entertainment. As well as regularly treading the boards of the sell out sensation that is the worlds biggest fetish club Torture Garden and international tours with the critically acclaimed Ministry of Burlesque, he also hosts his own sell out residency in the lavish Edwardian Kings Theatre, in Hampshire. An entertaining and inspiring cabaret artist, with a constant stream of theatrical endeavours across the UK, Europe and Internationally, Joe Black has performed and toured alongside the likes of the Tiger Lillies and Toyah Wilcox, as well as performing sold out shows, headlining arts and music festivals across Europe, touring America, raising the roof at the historical treasure that is the British Library in London and performing a series of shows in Australia at the infamous Butterfly Club in Melbourne.

One of the pioneering personalities in neo cabaret, Joe Black is the unmistakable Vaudevillian Villain.

Joe Black "The King of Cabaret Noir" The Metro

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced you to start yourself?

I used to perform on the streets as an accordion player, sometimes with a violinist! She heard about a local burlesque night and managed to grab us a spot at the show.... I had been performing my own peculiar brand of cabaret songs and stage shows alongside bands and such, for a few years before that but had not actually been involved within the cabaret scene as of yet. I suppose that was my first exposure to it, hands on but its something I had watched and been interested in for years.

"Absurd, Terrifying and Brilliantly Original." ScotsGay Magazing

You have a unique and ever-changing image – what inspires these changes and which look has been your favourite so far?

I feel like every artist needs to grow as they continue otherwise it becomes stale and too samey. (is that even a word?) My favourite is my current look. I enjoy every look more than the last. The blue hair and suit with ridiculous hats and cadaver like make-up is very much a current pleasure of mine! I get inspired by things I see, things I hear; sounds and music can evoke images... and I construct what I take from it.

I get inspired by things I see, things I hear;

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

Musically... singer song-writers: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Tori Amos, Amanda Palmer... that kind of thing; though I don't really sound anything like any of them I take great inspiration.

Content wise... people like Tom Lehrer, The Tiger Lillies, Victoria Wood; musical comedy and general filth!

 

Tom Waits ** Nick Cave

 

Tori Amos ** Amanda Palmer

 

Tom Lehrer ** Victoria Wood

The Tiger Lillies

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far

Wave Gothick Treffen festival in Leipzig (Germany): the biggest Gothic music festival in the world... I was headlining the Moritzbastei Castle venue: I was convinced I was going to have things thrown at me but people went ballistic! Encores galore. It was without a doubt my favourite live experience ever!

"Charismatic and downright Filthy: There can be no one else quite like him." Broadway Baby

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

I am completely socially awkward and shy, unless I know someone. I try my best to chat and be nice to everyone at shows! But I am painfully awkward. Painfully!!!

I am completely socially awkward and shy.

Finally, any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Work hard. Work VERY hard. Make the contacts. Treat everyone with respect and stay true to what you want to do. You will always grow and develop. Go with it though stick to what you love. Never change because someone tells you that you need to. You will have many sleepless nights. You will spend most of your time on public transport or in cars. But it will all be worth it.

Work hard. Work VERY hard... it will be worth it.

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