As part of Mental Health Awareness we received the following article from Ross Tate. We at SickeningGlasgow were lucky enough to meet Ross at New Year and he happens to be the nicest, most genuine person we have met in a long time. Here Ross shares his story of coping with anxiety.
Anxiety has been my enemy since having my first panic attack five years ago. I had been a student at Glasgow and was doing some late night studying when out of nowhere I felt terrified and completely frozen in my seat looking at the screen and seeing nothing but letters. I watched the clock as time passed for over forty minutes and I couldn’t move. When I finally felt I was able to leave my chair I walked home and cried along the way. It became the beginning of a difficult time. Being a very outgoing and confident person, having a panic attack was a set back of mammoth proportion. The following years saw me get my first full time job, my first flat and get married but also were years filled with bouts of severe anxiety.
Before I suffered from anxiety I will be really honest and admit i did not understand what it was, what the impact was and frankly, didn’t really believe it was a real illness. I perceived it as a bit of a self indulgent, first world problem. So when people misunderstand my anxiety, I try not get angry, I try to explain what I am feeling and hope they never have to feel it.
Anxiety is different for all people, but for me, it’s the feeling the world is coming to an end. My heart races so fast and so hard I worry it will stop, my breathe becomes short, I feel dizzy, a knot forms in my stomach and my head becomes filled with sheer terror of something terrible about to happen. I shouted, I screamed, I cried, I began to act erratic and became a huge problem to those around me. Anxiety began to cripple my sleep, my job and my relationship. I was becoming volatile and making poor decisions trying to find happiness and avoid anxiety which was simply ruining my every day. I was devastated that I was losing control over my own life to something I could not even see.
A year and half ago I made a GP appointment. When asked what I wanted the appointment for I lied as I was simply too embarrassed to be another one of ‘those people.’ I was met by a locum who I have never seen since which is a shame as she had such a positive impact on my life. She listened to what was going on and offered me different routes. She talked me through anti-depressants and having seen the impact on my Dad’s behaviour growing up I automatically rejected it as unsuited for me and instead settled on propanol, which is essentially a beta blocker. Tiny round white pills which looked so insignificant had the effect of getting me back on my feet. I started off by addicting myself to them taking the maximum number each day and then some which inevitably lead to a fairly epic crash involving booze which i’ve written off as a lesson learned. Then I tried to give them up completely which only brought back my anxiety worse than it was before I started them.
I now know what works for me to have a healthy mind. I eat healthy, I try exercise a minimum 3 times a week, keep booze intake down and keep propanol nearby in the event my enemy visits.
I’m not cured, i’ll never be cured but i’m really lucky because I had courage, I spoke to my GP, I spoke to my partner, I spoke to my boss, I spoke to my friends, I even spoke to total strangers of what was going on with me. I have my confidence back and whilst I expect the sensation of the world ending to hit me, I also expect to know what to do and stay on my feet.
On Thursday 9th February, AXM Glasgow‘s resident TRIGGER Thursdays played host to the London based queen and star of Drag Queens of London,Vanity von Glow. SickeningGlasgow gained exclusive backstage access to chat to the man behind the drag magic.
What’s the difference between the London and Glasgow drag?
Well keeping in mind the population of London is about 16x larger than that of Glasgow, and that the capital attracts performers from all over the world there’s a huge difference in sheer numbers of performers alone. I’m not too in the loop with the scene in Scotland, though there seems to be the same burgeoning interest amongst young people that you’ll find in cities all over the English-speaking world right now. It’s a very creative time to be involved in the LGBT+ community.
What do you miss most about Glasgow?
The price of drinks! But also there’s a wonderful nostalgia to looking back at your formative years. I moved to Glasgow aged seventeen to begin university and spent almost seven years there – building relationships, developing skillsets, drinking everything. I’m not sure I can think of a better city to draw out the best qualities in a person and I’m grateful that I was aware of that at the time, so I really enjoyed every moment of my time in Glasgow.
When did you start drag and what made you take that first plunge?
A Hallowe’en costume which snowballed out of control led me to joining Musty Gussett, Avon Starr, Miss Liza and the venue manager on stage at Delmonicas where we performed a ridiculous drag tribute to Girls Aloud. This was 2008 I believe and I certainly had no idea on day one that it would all lead to me having my own show in London’s West End at a venue as renowned as the Phoenix Artist Club!
Photo by Crawford
You are arguably Glasgow’s most successful drag queen how much has your life changed since the move to London?
Like Glasgow, London can a city of extremes. Fast-paced, challenging but very fun. I love the pace of life here and moved to the city with the clear intent of being surrounded by creative influences and passionate people who would force me to up my game. I’m so pleased to have found that and to be able to afford to live comfortably here. Of course in London as a performer you’re never too far from exciting surprises like Sophie Ellis Bextor performing at my show alognwith Dan Gillespie Sells from the Feeling. I also got to perform with Lily Allen on stage at Heaven, have done fundraisers with the likes of Julian Clary and have even sung for Paul O’Grady – these things can only really happen in London’s West End.
We have to ask, Drag queens of London; how was it filming and being thrust into the public eye?
I wouldn’t say the show thrust us into the public eye, but it certainly caused a commotion amongst our peers and pals in the performance community. The show was filmed at a carefree, bacchanal phase in the lives of my pal Silver and me so we enjoyed the silliness of it all, but ultimately it’s our hard work as performers which means the most to us.
You just performed at TRIGGER tonight did you enjoy it?
I loved Trigger! I only wish I could have watched the other girls performing, but speedy costume-changes made that impossible. I know that everyone is supportive of one another’s output at Trigger and in Glasgow in general so I’d love to come back up and really get to know everyone a bit better next time! So many world-class performers list Glasgow as their favourite city to perform in. The sheer noise which escapes a drink-induced Glaswegian in their natural habitat is so exciting for a performer. Glasgow crowds of 50 give as much energy back to the artist as a full theatre!
Photo by Crawford
Will Glasgow be seeing more of you in the future?
I come up to Glasgow almost anytime I’m asked, it’s the best excuse to spend a few nights with my best friends from home and catch up.
How did you come up with your name?
I wanted a character whose personality was summed up in her name. ‘Vanity’ represents the quality the character is intended to most possess – excessive love of the external self. My actual surname is ‘Glow’ and so the ‘von’ which is a nobiliary article lends some central European flavour to the whole thing.
Any tips for Glasgow queens looking to make it big or just starting out?
No performer is an island free of influences and it’s important to know when to ask for help and to learn from those around you… however! I think the secret to success is to know who you are, know what you want to be, and to pursue it quite single-mindedly. Don’t allow yourself to become derailed by fashions and trends especially as drag’s current status as the kitschy past-time of Instagram-era homosexuals won’t last forever. When people tire in a few years of the current drag craze, make sure yours is an act which can stand the test of time, provoke thought and entertain whatever the cultural climate.
Frans Gender, Alana Duvey and Jordy Deelight providing motherly advice to the drag nation
Dear SickeningGlasgow,
I urgently need your help. I told my parents I was gay when I was 15. My dad flew into a rage and demanded I go to counselling and my mum cried, saying I just hadn’t found the right girl yet. My only ally during this time was my older sister who had gay friends and completely supported my sexuality. Now I am in my late twenties and my parents are completely accepting of me and we have a great relationship. The problem I have is that my sister has recently come out as gay and my parents are delighted and oh so understanding of her. No tears were shed, no threats of counselling or anything like that. Should I be rejoicing at the fact that my sister didn’t have to go through what I did or am I right to be annoyed about it??
Gary from Glasgow
Frans Gender
Dear Gary,
It’s always wonderful news when a family has managed to wade through years of proverbiale crab-grass to reach the well-tilled fields of acceptance. Sure, you’re only human and it’s natural to feel jealous of your parent’s immediate acceptance of your sibling’s vaginal inclination but if I were you I’d just suck it up (I know fully that you’re perfectly capable of such an act) and be happy for your sister. Some families spend their entire lives separated by ignorance so do your best to be there for your sister. Maybe buy her some hiking boots or a coupon for a “lumberjack-vagina” class or something (I don’t know many lesbians).
Alana Duvey
Hi Gary,
Thank you so much for getting in touch with me this week. That’s certainly a dilemma you have there. My advice to you is that now is the time to throw the tantrum of all tantrums! You flounce on into that living room with your high heels on in front of the whole family as they watch X Factor and let rip! Tell them exactly how you feel, how rejected you felt when you came out. Fall to the ground slowly sliding down the arm of the couch with your mascara running down your face from the tears! Kick your legs and arms up in the air and off the floor shouting how it’s not fair and that it’s pure favouritism. As for your double crossing sister, clearly drunk on jealousy at the attention you got for coming out pretending to support you before “coming out herself” she’s not even a lesbian, she told me! She’ll be forced to admit her lies and from then on you’ll be at your parent’s mercy. Anything you want, it’s yours through fear of wrongfully upsetting you again and your sister will be forced to live in the loft where she belongs, feeding on scraps from a trough once a month. Happiness all round. You’re welcome.
Jordy Deelight
Hi Gary,
Here’s Jordy Dee spilling some T! Coming out is a horrible, horrible experience, and my best advice to you and your sibling would be to go back in the closet and stay there. But on a serious note- the fact you and your sibling have both managed to share a personal part of yourselves is something to be proud of- the main word being PROUD. Here comes the more tricky part. You say the problem is the fact your parents haven’t shown the same negative treatment to your sister, much like your own experience, and that you’re annoyed. Well of course you’re annoyed, you’re a gay man. But surely you want your sister to be accepted like you are now, and use your experience as a starting point for educating your parents and preventing this for future generations? No? Oh well, I suggest if you don’t that you cancel your Netflix subscription so your sister can’t watch any more Orange is the New Black.
Following on from the success of their first two shows, Tom Harlow and Kim Khaos do it again! Bringing an amazing selection of talent to the stage at Polo Lounge, Glasgow. The stage was set, the sparkling decor was shimmering and the crowd was ready. The plethora of acts wowed, amazed and entertained. The international burlesque superstar, Velma Von Bon Bon. Rusty Von Chrome, Drag King of the Codpiece. Miss Hell’s Belle a femme fatale, elegant and graceful. Raven Rose, it wasn’t easy being green, but she managed it with aplomb! Dharma Geddon brought the Pokemon, as well as the GO; Battling Tom to the bitter end. Kim Khaos, so seductive she may have turned me. and Tom Harlow; host, boylesque extraordinaire and vocal powerhouse. This amazing collection of talent put on one hell of a show. If you missed this one, get ready for 2017!
It’s been a year since we last had you over to the SickeningGlasgow HQ for a kiki. What’s been happening in the time since we last saw you?
Has it been a year already? Wow! Might I say, you’ve certainly gotten more and more sickening over the last 12 months, haven’t you? Looking gooooood! I heard after a year you got upgraded from kiki to kaikai! <laughs> Jings, what hasn’t been happening over the last year? Drag in Glasgow has just exploded, hasn’t it? It’s amazing!
Well, I’m still with my awesome partner in grime, Dharma Geddon who has been slaying the whole game lately. She just gets better and better! Can we just take a moment to appreciate how talented she is? <pauses and stares off into the distance>
Anyway, speaking of our relationship, we spent our 5-year Anniversary performing at SUCK in Delmonicas! Who else can say they performed ‘Cartoon Heroes’ by Aqua in drag with their other half on their 5-year Anniversary? It was also our first time performing that routine, we thought it would be fun to debut a new Alharma/Dharmana/Dharmalanadingdong(?) duet for it. It certainly was an Anniversary to remember, so much fun.
On the topic of Anniversaries, it was the Mothertucker 1 Year Anniversary show recently and to celebrate the girls plus the extended Mothertucker family (which included myself) got together for a beautiful plant themed photo shoot at Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens to promote the night/show. We got lots of amazing snaps from Frankie Hunter and video clips from Jason Pickering, which have all been put together for the new Mothertucker Teaser Trailer and promotional images. It was such a fun day and the show itself in Katie’s Bar was phenomenal. Dharma and I even won the award for ‘Best Guest Performance’ of the year for our ode to ‘Wicked’ performance of ‘Defying Gravity’.
What else has happened over the last year? Oh, I walked in the Glasgow Pride parade with Dharma. I also debuted my first YouTube series, my Dragony Aunt show, ‘Ask Alana’ and may have only recorded 2 episodes, woops! Don’t worry though, I haven’t forgotten about it. The World’s questions will still be answered! Dharma and I have also just uploaded a new episode of ’60 Minute Gayme Over’… last year’s Halloween Special. We’re not doing so well at uploading these vids, are we? Just like ‘Ask Alana’ we haven’t forgotten about it and have some fun ideas in the works. It’s certainly not the last you’ve seen of the infamous adverts!
I tried my hand at judging this year after being approached by gay wrestler extraordinaire, ICW and Discovery Wrestling’s Christopher Saynt to judge the Miss House Of Saynt Pageant in Katie’s Bar and what fun that was! I think my reputation of being the nice queen may have went out the window after asking the contestants that question! It was lots of fun though and would love to do it again. Frans Gender was a worthy winner but, to be honest, the decision was a very difficult one to make as everyone truly slayed the house down boots mama yes gawd!
Above all that I’ve still been performing my wee tooshie off whenever I can. I think I’ve performed at most events at least once. I’ve done a few Mothertuckers and SUCKs, including SUCK’s Pride Special alongside special guests Athena and Anna Lies. I’ve enjoyed performing at the Drag-Opticon in the STUNNING Britannia Panopticon Music Hall and Trigger in its new home of AXM. I even got the wonderful opportunity to open for the amazing Delta Work in Katie’s Bar. What an amazing experience that was. Delta was such a lovely and warm human being. Such a great performer too.
I’ve recently been dabbling into Glasgow’s Cabaret scene which I’m thoroughly enjoying. You can find Dharma and myself as your regular door whore’s at The Glitter & Grind Revue, an amazing cabaret night full of glitz n’ glamour, created and hosted by Tom Harlow and Kim Khaos in The Polo Lounge. I’ve also performed at The Big Variety at the Panopticon and AllSorts Cabaret’s first show at their new venue Avante Garde. I don’t know if you heard, but I also made my acting debut in the Mothertucker Christmas Pantomime ‘A Fistmas Carol’ as Mrs Dribbler and in EK Rep’s production of ‘Ladies Downunder’ in East Kilbride’s Village Theatre which was a hoot! Boylana loved acting with the ‘Rep back in the day before work commitments got in the way so it was lovely to dip my toe back in, both in drag and out (I played 2 parts don’t you know! Joe and Koala Bare, an Australian drag queen with an obsession for all things Kylie).
And lastly I’ve tried my hand at hosting a couple of times now. Still finding my feet a little with that but I’ve hosted a couple of nights at Chalky’s Late Night Cabaret in Chalky’s Late Night Lounge and KLASH in Planet Bar through in Edinburgh plus a cheeky co-host of Trigger back in the Classic Grand days. But my biggest hosting job was at… DHARMA AND I’S VERY OWN SHOW!!!
Yes, that’s right, very recently Dharma and I were approached by the Gilchrist Postgraduate Club at Glasgow University to host a one off show as part of their Welcome Fortnight to which we were super excited to get involved with. We called the night ‘Drag 101’ and schooled an audience who may not have ever been to a drag show before and taught them everything they need to know. We had amazing special guests who totally gagged the children, Lacy Rain, Markee De Saw, The Haus Of Diamond’s Jessica Diamond and Ann Phetimine plus Dharma and myself. The audience were amazing and the night was a big success. So much so, Drag 101 may not be the one off show it was originally intended to be. Watch this space people, lesson 2 may be coming sooner than you think!
Gosh when you think back, it’s really been an action packed year and every bit of it has been just FABULOUS!!!
How has your drag aesthetic and performances improved in the last year?
Oh I don’t know. I’d say my drag aesthetic probably hasn’t changed too much. But then again if you ask others, they might possibly say it has… for the worse! I’m still just as clueless when it comes to makeup and still just as disastrous when it comes to fashion sense. <laughs>
I’d probably say my wigs have gotten shorter. How more queens haven’t embraced the wonder that is a short wig, I’ll never know! No more hair in the mouth getting in the way of lip syncs and no more hair in the eyes making me walk into things! Bliss.
Shoulder pads quickly became an Alana standard. Yup, I’m a shoulder queen! I love my shoulder pads, the bigger the better! I wanna give Alexis Carrington and the Golden Girls a run for their money! And trousers, TROUSERS! Oh god trousers! Yeah, I think I’m more of a comfort over style queen.
In terms of my face, with lack of makeup knowledge and skills I tend to keep it quite simple but I am liking it more these days. So either I’m improving the Alana look or I’m just used to it now. I’ve tried recently to do a couple more out there looks which have been lots of fun… when they work!
In terms of performances, the first noticeable difference, I’d say, is I’m getting more confident in performing. It’s taken a while but I’m finding what I can do well and what works for me. I may not be able to do a death drop but can certainly put my rubber face to good use which is always fun during performances. Please note my face isn’t actually made of rubber! <laughs>
I’ve maybe taken a bit more of a theatrical route in performing, particularly when at the Drag-Opticon. That grand stage just asks for something theatrical! I like to take on a character. Maybe enjoying acting plays a part in that. Some of my favourite performances I’ve done involved taking inspiration from different characters. Roger from ‘American Dad’, Grizabella from ‘Cats’, Gary Coleman and Nicky from ‘Avenue Q’ which has introduced to the world Jimmy The Puppet! My literal right hand man! I like to make people smile and hopefully my performances these days are doing that.
Sometimes I do like to change it up a little and slow it down from all the fun characters and do a more dramatic number. There’s something about a performer who can just stand there and barely move yet still command the whole room’s attention just with a facial expression or a quiver or a lip that just, ooft, makes me queef. One of my favourite performances I’ve done was my ‘Proud’ performance as I felt it’s the closest I’ve came to achieving that. Oh, and I still can’t dance to save myself <laughs>
Have your drag influences changed since we last spoke?
Not really, I’m still inspired by a lot of the same people. To be honest, anyone with the guts to be themselves, get on out there, looking however they want to look (doesn’t even need to be in a drag sense), get on a stage and perform in front of people inspire me. It takes proper balls to do any kind of performance piece and anyone who does deserves major respect.
I’m still a bit fangirlish when it comes to the Manchester Queens. The Family Gorgeous are just absolute legends. I’ll need to start practicing the puppy dog eyes in case Cheddar and Anna are on the look out to adopt a child! <laughs>
Dharma inspires me every day and always encourages me to push myself creatively and in terms of performance. In my eyes she’s one of the Top Trumps in the Scottish scene. Maybe I’m just a little biased.
Lacy Rain is an insane genius, like a mad scientist who creates beautiful Frankenstein performance monsters in her castle. I can’t really put into words how inspiring she is. All I could possibly say is go see her perform! I really miss Lafaunda Cox’s presence on the scene, I hope she comes back soon. I also missed Charlize De Werk, I’m glad she’s back! It may be controversial but I like October Fist, leave her alone. CJ Banks, Frans Gender and Lucy Stewpid really make me laugh. I’m definitely a House Of Diamond fan too. I have to say, I’m a bit of an Eli Buck fan, he’s a beautiful young man! Violet Grace and Demi Decay are FAR too flexible for their own good!
The whole Scottish scene is amazing right now. The creativity, imagination and talent on show at any night you go to is just unbelievable. Sometimes our scene may come across as a little rough around the edges in some eyes compared to other more polished scenes (I could be wrong there). There’s a rawness about our scene that I love and I’d never want to disappear. You could say there’s a little something in everyone in our scene that I could probably take inspiration from.
Anyone doing drag these days are always going to take some inspiration from a Drag Race queen or 2. It’s such a huge part of our culture now that it’s hard not to have an opinion on it. Ru herself is obviously a legend and I’m still drawn to the quirkier, funny and warm queens in any season.
What are your thoughts on the new series of Drag Race All Stars?
Ooooohhh that was an interesting season wasn’t it! After one or two seasons that maybe didn’t quite have the excitement as some of the others, this just came along with a bang, didn’t it? I thoroughly enjoyed this season. I always had a soft spot for All Stars so I was excited to hear another was coming along. I was a little disappointed there were no Season 1 queens. Ongina could have been an awesome return!
I felt for Tatianna. Being the only queen from her season must’ve been tough, she was the underdog from the start having no one else from her season there. I thought Morgan McMichaels would have been a fun one to return from her season. Gotta give her credit, she didn’t let it phase her and she slayed! ‘The Same Parts’ has went down as one of the most memorable moments in Drag Race herstory!
As much as all the Season 5 queens were legends, I felt it might have been a bit of the Season 5 show. Only Adore from Season 6? Possibly one of the most talent filled seasons. Where was Bendelacreme (all the previous Miss Congenialities were in All Stars Season 1), Milk, Courtney Act etc. Was sad not to see Willam in there too. I’ve always liked the idea of giving a first eliminated queen from a season a second chance to prove themselves. How gag worthy would it have been if Porkchop walked in the door on episode 1? Kelly Mantle or Tempest Dujour I’ve always thought could have had a bit more to prove.
In terms of the season itself though, it was really entertaining! It was a shame to see Adore go. I’ve always liked Adore but I could see why she felt the need to leave. I would have liked her to stay though to prove she had what it takes and see how far she’d go. I think she could have went all the way to the final. She’s such a loved queen. Alaska killed it in just about every challenge, Katya was amazing as always and Detox too. Her runway looks though, OMG! I was a little disappointed in the childish reaction to being in the bottom 2 from Alaska but if you were looking at the stats she was definitely the right winner and in terms of entertainment her, Katya or Alyssa definitely. Was a tough one to swallow when she went home, both times! I’d have been happy at Alaska, Katya, Detox or Alyssa winning.
What lies ahead for you, Alana?
There’s actually not too much ahead of me at the moment. Right now Alana’s living the quiet suburban Stepford Wife lifestyle she was born for. This doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty more Alana Duvey to come but for now I’m having a little break after being so busy. You can still see Boylana out and about regularly supporting Dharma and continuing to be her number 1 fan. There may be 1 or 2 little project ideas running around in my head so watch this space!
Where are you performing next?
Well there’s a certain night with Dharma making a return as mentioned earlier, keep your eyes peeled for that one. I’ll be on the door for the Glitter & Grind Revue at Polo on Friday 28th October, this time I’ll be joined by the awesome Bearberry McQueen as Dharma is performing at this one. There’s also an extra special end of month edition of SUCK at Delmonicas on 30th November. I don’t know if I can say too much about just yet but I know it could be one of the best! It’s very exciting. Apart from that, the diarrhoea is pretty free and I’m loving it. There’s still a few nights I’ve never performed at which I’d love to get involved with such as The Rabbit Hole, Such A Drag etc through in Edinburgh and I’d like to follow in Dharma’s footsteps by doing a wee turn at one of the AXM Presents nights in Glasgow. So who knows what lies ahead for me, I’ll be sure to make plenty of noise if I’m booked for any performances in the future, as I always do!
As fans of cinema, we are often asked one icebreaking question; ‘What’s your favourite film of all time?’, whether it be on a first date, an app messenger or even a team building exercise, it’s an answer we have firmly placed under our belt to give an idea of our tastes and personality. It’s just as much a part of us as the colour of our eyes or favourite Madonna era.
But I ask you a different kind of question, what film helped to shape you to be the person you are? You might think that something that only runs on average about ninety minutes long can’t possibly hold such an impact on one person, well, you’re right. It’s managed to impact several generations since its initial 1975 release date as well as one person. The film in question is ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, the greatest and most beloved cult film of all time which is still in its theatrical run, the longest of all time.
I ultimately find it hard to describe my utter adoration and respect for this film because ever since my first viewing at thirteen years old (and the subsequent two other viewings I sat through immediately after that first one), it has been such an omnipresent part of my life. I’ve seen the film more times than any other film, I own multiple soundtracks, I’ve been to the stage shows multiple times, lip synced the songs, performed drunken karaoke, shadow casted the performance (from the comfort of my own home, albeit, no shame admitting) and of course, I’ve dressed up to attend it in full Sweet Transvestite garb. For fans, it speaks to our fantastical outlook on life and parodies social constructs of normality and gender association, allowing us to poke fun and rebel against what isn’t set in stone but is ultimately enforced and expected.
A little backstory. ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is a musical created by national treasure, Richard O’Brien, in 1973 which acts as a tribute to Horror and Sci-Fi B-Films of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and early 1970’s, the opening song ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’ being a particularly notable example of this. The plot focuses on a newly engaged American vanilla couple becoming stranded in a rainstorm and seeking refuge in the castle of a mad transvestite scientist from outer space who aims to create the perfect man for his own sexual gratification, ‘Rocky Horror’. The stage show was adapted into a film in 1975, starring Richard O’Brien as Riff-Raff and some of the original cast such as Patricia Quinn as Magenta, Little Nell as Columbia and of course, most notably, the legendary Tim Curry who created magic and gave us one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history, Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
The film was ultimately a flop in its initial theatrical run but soon found its way to the midnight movie circuit, as most cult films do. This is where it took on a whole new level of notoriety and success, particularly when the audience participation began. This is how the film was cemented into legendary status, we have shadow casts (live actors who perform the exact sequences in front of the projected film), sing-alongs and of course, the infamous heckling. It has since become a tornado in a bottle of pop culture importance which has spread across audiences and individuals of various backgrounds and identities, some may just know if for the ‘Time Warp’ whereas others, like myself, can just about recite the film line for line and know such obscure facts like the film was meant to be black and white up until a certain character’s big reveal.
As I previously mentioned, I first saw ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ when I was thirteen years old, a tough time for anyone, a time when you struggle to find out your identity. Particularly for an LGBT individual, this time is particularly hard, I didn’t have the easiest time coming to terms with my own sexuality and identity. That’s until I saw ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, much like when Dr. Frank-N-Furter throws the switch on Medusa Transducer, something changed. Granted, it wasn’t an instant process but after that first viewing, I immediately took to the main themes of the film, awakening and acceptance. Becoming assimilated into the genetic coding of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ doesn’t necessarily mean having to wear six inch stilettos and donning a bedazzled corset (although, who wouldn’t when offered?), it means becoming a collective society of compliance. The way I see it, the film is a rite of passage, it manages to encompass my transition from a confused and anxious pre-teen to a full on queen, for better or worse. The motto of the film, ‘Don’t dream it, Be it’ has become synonymous with generations of fans and freaks alike. One particular coming of age film, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (fantastic film by the way, go see it) even included this.
With all intents and purposes, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a milestone of LGBT and queer cinema primarily focusing on drag culture and sexual identification. Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a self proclaimed ‘Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania’ and certainly has no issues with blurring the lines of gender identity, expectations and provocativeness. The film is laced with LGBT imagery from the rainbow coloured amniotic fluid which Rocky is born from to the upside pink triangle worn on Frank’s laboratory jacket, a symbol of gay pride, denoting Nazi concentration camp ideology. Hell, there is even a same-sex wedding that takes place and an on-screen male on male sex scene (albeit obscured by shadows). Speaking about pride, the last time I viewed the film was just before I went out to celebrate Glasgow’s gay pride and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate it. Well, actually I could because I pressed play as soon as the film ended so I could celebrate just one more time before having to leave to join all the other creatures of the night.
There is also a level of punk rock to the film, although it’s not necessarily punk rock with its songs (there exists the fantastic ‘The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show’ for that) the essence of the film, very much is. Punk rock was created as a combatant against mainstream constructions and an outlet for rebellion against authority and preconceived society. Although the main fundamentals are focused on awakening and acceptance, the theme of rebellion is very omnipresent, even integrated into the plotline through the characters of Eddie and Rocky Horror as well as ultimately, Frank’s own servants.
I guess my adoration for this film comes from the family that you are welcomed to once you watch it, never have I experienced a feeling of acceptance and togetherness from a wide variety of freaks and geeks alike, when you mention those four collective words to another fan, instant connection is made, I know this is the case with pretty much all other fanbases but there is just something magical about being part of the collective hive for something that has transcended over forty years. I’ve always wanted there to be more of a Rocky Horror scene in Glasgow, maybe the time is right with its drag and club kid scene building more and more with each passing month, I sure as hell know if there was a weekly/monthly midnight showing, I’d be there with bells and fishnets on.
I really can’t recommend the experience enough, because that what it is at the core. You might not be transformed as a person after watching it, hell, you might not even care for it, however, you cannot deny its cultural importance still to this day and its influences to both LGBT and mainstream culture as well as the life-force of contemporary rebellion.
So go ahead, give yourself over to absolute pleasure.
Tell us why you decided to put together the Glitter & Grind Revue?
We both noticed a gap in the market for a large scale and all encompassing burlesque and cabaret show on the Scottish circuit. We both travel around the UK and internationally and have been completely wowed by the performers we’ve shared the stages with and we wanted to start bringing them up to our beautiful city! Each show we have produced has grown and grown and our upcoming show is the biggest we have put together – the line up is just incredible!
When and where is the event?
Friday the 28th of October (Doors 7pm) at The Polo Lounge (downstairs)
What should we expect from the show? Are there any surprises or exclusives you can give us about the performances?
Each performer on the line up is just incredible, from Velma’s mind blowingly brilliant flamingo act, to Rusty’s King Henry VII performance, we have something for every taste! Tom and I will be debuting a brand new double act on the night too!
Will The Glitter & Grind Revue be a weekly event?
We will definitely be producing two of our larger scale shows next year (dates TBC) and we plan to do some smaller shows between.
Where can we buy tickets for the event?
Tickets are available from Brown Paper Tickets from the following link:
SICKENING GLASGOW 