Featured Queen: Robyn Black
Robyn Black (also known as Lady Black) is a 22 year-old Welsh Queen from Bangor in Gwynedd with a unique and appealing aesthetic. Read our interview with Robyn below.
When did you start doing drag?
The first time I did drag, I was 12. The primary school were doing a fundraiser with a "Talent Night" - I always had a fascination with Queen's I want to Break Free, so I did that! The audience's reaction was amazing - I was so nervous (And being 12, loved the attention)
What inspired you to start doing drag?
I'd messed about with make up for years before turning up to school one day dressed as Lady Gaga! I got mixed reactions (I'm from a town where it was very unconventional to do something so 'queer')
I had made a dress from post-it notes with a brief case to match - I was known as Lady Gaga for years afterwards - people would literally sing 'Bad Romance' at me in passing!
It gave people something to talk about - and I found comfort in this at the time - I was a weird kid - but the idea of doing something so unheard of had created and awakened something within me and there was no going back - It was only when I learned of The Three Crowns (the only LGBTQ+ Venue in North Wales at the time) that I hadn't thought of doing it professionally!
How does drag make you feel?
I would say that I'm in my element when I'm dolled up to nines and my d*ck is up my arse. There's something about the ritual of putting on slap and sticking on a wig that really inspires confidence within me.
It's bizarre.
Who are you inspirations for your drag persona?
Anyone who knows Lady Black, will know that she is a mad mix of Disney Villain, sexually frustrated housewife and a foul mouthed fisherman's wife!
I take inspiration from everyday people and fictional characters and just mash them up to create something larger than life and loud.
Who are your all time favourite Queens?
Lily Savage, Divina De Campo, Divine and Alaska Thunderfuck.
Do you have a specific look you like to go for, or does your look vastly vary?
My aesthetic is what-ever I have on my bedroom floor! I'm a slob!
What would be your ultimate ambition you would like to achieve through drag?
Is it cliche to say 'World Domination'? Nah, I joke - what I want is to inspire self expression and self belief in people. I want to travel the world and be able to experience different audiences! i live for the applause applauuuuse apppllaaaaaause
Where are some of your favourite places to perform?
Apart from my residency in Bangor - I don't really get an opportunity to perform much else!
I participated in a drag competition in April at KIKI Manchester's 'KIKI Queens'! That was nuts!
I performed 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' and 'Uptown Funk' - the audience's reaction was absolutely mental! I'd never experienced anything like it in Bangor! It really did put a lump in the back of my throat!! (wanky)
What are some of your favourite songs to perform?
'Poor Unfortunate Souls' - it's witchy, it's a typical if not the best Disney Villain song.
'Starships' Nicki Minaj! I absloutely LOVE this song - it isn't deep, there's no hidden meaning - it's literally a song about having fun and getting wankered. I can relate.
'Imagine' John Lennon - Ever since the Orlando Pulse shootings , I make everyone hold hands with each other and sing it with me! It's touching.
If you could only have 3 makeup products to do your complete drag makeup look for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
CHEAP AND CHEERFUL! Really don't believe in overpriced make up products!
- MUA Eyeshadow palette
- Some cheap ass False lashes (Lashes make a difference to any look)
- Liquid Eyeliner - with this - the world is your oyster
What is your one favourite piece of fashion or accessory from your wardrobe?
FASCINATORS !
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In a shallow grave somewhere off the M56 (A Motorway in the UK)
What's your opinion on the recent increase in popularity of drag, due to things such as RuPaul's Drag Race?
This is going to bite me on the ass....Don't get me wrong. The increase in the popularity of drag is AMAZING. However, when something does get popular - of course, everybody wants to do it, and everybody becomes an expert!
Every look you do get's compared to every Queen and it get's old really quickly.
It's good that people can identify with Drag and have taken an interest in it - but yes, telling someone you're 'very Detox' or 'very Sharon' is insulting not only to named Queens but to the Queen your comparing in the first place! We work really hard for little money - we aren't popstars. We are men in dresses.
Thank you to Robyn Black for this interview.
Follow Robyn on Social media:
Twitter: @LadyRobynBlack
Snapchat: @LadyRobynBlack
Facebook: /MadamBBlack
Youtube: click here
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