In The Spotlight: Newcastle’s Drag Scene

Newcastle, start your engines! And may the best drag scene win. (Spoiler alert, we do it best.)

It was a Thursday night and, for the streets of Newcastle city centre, a pretty tame one. Or so you might have thought.

That was until I made my way down Scotswood Road, where a respectable troop were congregating for a live screening of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s semi-final. Geordie favourite, Gladys Duffy, and Drag Race alumni, Choriza May, were set to host. 

The pair have been holding such events at Bobby’s Bar weekly throughout the entirety of the show’s fifth season. Since its BBC Three premiere on 28 September, the initial ten queens had been narrowed down to just a measly four – although, in hindsight, measly seems a misfitting word choice considering their vivacious personalities.

Raising the stakes for spectators in the venue, three out of four happened to be from the North East. I have never witnessed such aggressive patriotism and I’ve been in the city centre on match days. It became clear very quickly that DeDeLicious, the outcast southerner contestant, was not a fan favourite.

Spirits were accordingly high when Hartlepool’s Tomara Thomas, Ginger Johnson of Lanchester, and Newcastle’s own Michael Marouli were deemed finalists at the episode’s conclusion. Sorry not sorry, DeDe. 

The atmosphere of celebration, to my pleasant surprise, indeed did not decline at the end of the showing. Having never attended before, I was not entirely certain of the etiquette. Whether to be out the door and on my way, or perhaps stay for another drink. How naïve I had been. As the pop anthems and Duffy’s witty one-liners continued to blast out of speakers, it became impossible to leave. That was before rising Newcastle queen, Vespa, took to the stage to bless us further with a lip-sync performance in a striking green dress.

I don’t think I have ever experienced a Thursday night packed with so much entertainment. With just one episode of the series left, I was truly kicking myself for not attending Bobby’s sooner.

The venue is undoubtedly one of the best-loved LGBTQ+ bars in Newcastle. Open until late seven days a week, the cabaret hotspot otherwise hosts acts from local drag stars alongside other fun and frequent events, like karaoke and bingo nights. 

A particularly exciting aspect of the bar is the open-mic nights they put on. These are events which offer performance opportunities to any drag artist, irrespective of prior experience – essentially the dream for students with a passion for drag. Dan Chester, president of Drag Society at Newcastle University, is one of many up-and-coming acts to make use of these evenings.

Requiring no further introduction, the second-year student’s persona, The Cocalily, is arguably one to watch amidst the Newcastle drag scene.

Having initially made a spontaneous debut during a holiday with friends, Dan has since made use of the various outlets in Newcastle whilst studying at university. Although he was interested in the society upon considering the university amongst others, there was no telling that he would be at the club’s head by his second year. 

“We’re doing it in phases this year.

“At the moment, with Drag Race UK launching, we’re mostly doing viewing parties. We’ve done some cute welfare events, like drag queen colouring-in […] so now we’ve got everyone hooked on drag, we’re going to start doing make-up and wig tutorials and then we’ll try to start getting our members on stage.

“We’ve been focussing more on the commercialised version of drag at the moment. We’re now going to try and push into a more local level.”

Dan, like many aspiring drag artists in the North East, feels lucky to be in a city with so many prospects for growth. He reveals, “I often get a lot of DMs on my drag account. There’s lots of opportunities that pop up.

“I personally have not delved into doing it professionally. I’m quite busy and for me it’s just a hobby but the opportunities are very much there in Newcastle.”

Naturally, he is no stranger to the Bobby’s stage and has found that a personal passion for DJing and The Cocalily make the perfect pair. His next goal: a proper rave with his own set in full-drag. I’m so there.

“Most drag queens lip-sync on a stage. I’m not a dancer,” he laughs. “I’m not that talented but I can press play on some decks.

“I’d also love to bring my drag to pole because no one wants to see a boring guy doing pole dance. We need hair flips.” 

Indeed, Drag Soc seems the ideal society to join alongside others. Dan is hoping to arrange more collaborations with other societies during the rest of the academic year. I, for one, cannot wait to see what is in store.

As for the next time The Cocalily graces that renowned stage down Scotswood Road, I’ll be seated front row.