INTERVIEW: Davina Sparkle spills on championing LGBTQ+ venues, joining Lunch Positive as a trustee and reveals her crush of the day.…

Ladies and gentleman, theys and thems, welcome to the Brighton & Hove residents' community corner series celebrating our city’s bold drag artists and boundary breaking performers! I wanted to create a series that goes beyond the glam with our legendary and local queer performers so we can all get to know the real people behind the personas because erm, why not?!

This week, we’re joined by one of the UK's top stand up comedy queens, Davina Sparkle.

If this is the first interview of the series that you've stumbled across don't worry, you can catch up with more juicy convos centrestage HERE. Next week we'll be joined by the Titan of Brighton, possibly the next UK's Drag Race superstar: Tayris Mongardi.

But today, it’s all eyes on Davina Sparkle so let’s dive in head first!

For our readers that don't know you yet, can you introduce yourself oh and what pronouns do you prefer in and out of drag?

Hello, my darlings! The name's Davina Sparkle and if you haven't heard of me, you must've been living under a rock. A very boring, glitter free rock! I'm a comedy queen with a laugh as big as my hair and a heart full of mischief. In drag, I'm a she. Out of drag, you can call me a he.

What first drew you to drag and comedy and how long have you a drag queen comedian for?

I've been a drag queen since 1996 and for me comedy was a natural progression. It was either become a comedian or get a therapist, and after 11 years in hospitality, I couldn't afford a therapist! I've been doing this professionally now for 29 years. The sparkles are real and so is the back pain and bad knees.

What's the origin story of your drag name?

I wanted something that sounded glamorous and a little bit naughty. Davina is a proper old-school name, a bit like your nan's best friend who drinks gin and tonics at 11 a.m. And the Sparkle? I wanted something that says, I'm here, I'm queer, and I've probably left a trail of glitter everywhere I've been. And trust me, I have.

Some people still feel unsure or intimidated by drag, what would you say to help shift that perspective?

Oh, bless their hearts. If you're feeling unsure about drag, all I can say is, don't be! We're just like you but with bigger lashes and better shoes.

Drag is about escapism, joy, and a little bit of theatrical fabulousness.

We're here to make you laugh, make you think, and give you a fabulous night out. It's not about being serious or intimidating; it’s about fun! So just come on in, grab a cocktail and let us show you a good time. We don’t bite….unless you ask nicely!

What do you think makes Brighton stand out from other cities you've performed in or visited?

Brighton is a magical place. It's got this incredible mix of everything. You can go to a show and see an old school queen like me do comedy and a few songs or you can go and see a queen who is lip syncing or singing. We're a little melting pot of pure, undiluted fabulousness. What makes us special is the sheer variety. Every queen is unique, I think.

Would you say drag in Brighton leans more toward activism, entertainment?

You can't be a queen in Brighton without a little bit of activism in your blood. We're on the front lines, fighting for what's right. We're a living, breathing protest in heels. So yes, it's all about entertainment but with a message. You can laugh until your ribs ache and then go home and think about how you can change things. It’s the perfect combination!

How would you describe your signature style in drag and do you design your own looks?

My signature style is best described as what's now called old school with a modern, comedic twist. I don't mime, but many people have said that I should!

Do you have any favourite venues or events in Brighton that feel like your spiritual home on stage?

There are so many, but if I had to pick, The Queens Arms, Legends, and Affinity are places that feel like home. But to be really honest, my favourite places are the ones that book me and pay me! I would say that on a serious note, if you don't support your gay venues, you will lose them.

You can't complain that there are too many straight girls in your pubs if you only go in them once a month.

What advice would you give to someone just stepping into the world of drag?

If you're thinking about starting drag, the most important thing is to have some jokes and a few songs and to learn them well. The mirror is an excellent place to practice, or you can video yourself. When you think you're ready, maybe ask one of the drag queens to appear on their show as a little guest spot for 10 minutes. I think it’s really important to support new ideas and new acts, as they are the future of the gay scene.

Which causes or charities are closest to your heart and how do they inspire your work in drag?

My heart belongs to so many amazing organisations. I'm a big supporter of Lunch Positive which does incredible work for the community, including HIV support. And here's a massive scoop: I’ve been asked to be a trustee, which I'm thrilled about. More details will be on my social media very soon.

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I'm also a huge supporter of LGBTQ+ youth charities. It’s so important to support the next generation. They’re the ones who are going to change the world. I’ve also raised £££ in the past for Orphanages in Thailand, Terrence Higgins Trust, The Sussex Beacon and other great causes. These causes inspire me every day to be a better person and a better performer.

Who's your crush of the day?

Oh, darling, that’s easy! My crush of the day is a delicious combination of a sausage roll from Greggs, a gin and tonic, and a good-looking man on a dance floor. Actually, let's be honest. Do you think I'm really going to tell you that?

Current fave pop song?

Pop song! I’d say Pink Pony Club.

Where can our readers catch your next performance?

You can catch me at Legends tomorrow, for my spectacular birthday celebration-a full day of fabulous fundraising cabaret in aid of Lunch Positive but also Queens Arms, Bar Broadway, Affinity Bar, Charles Street Tap, The Zone, The Bulldog, The Regency Tavern, The Grosvenor Bar and selected Brighton venues. Check out my socials for my whereabouts!