INTERVIEW: Dawn the Drag Queen on being a council kid, new years resolutions for 2026 and the meaning of Dawn
"I have a few resolutions, some for Sean and some for Dawn."
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 them more because like Lady Gaga said on ARTPOP, "Do you wanna see the girl who lives behind the aura?" so erm, why not?!
This week, we’re joined by DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN. If this is only the first interview of this centrestage series that you've stumbled across and you want to catch up on the others don't panic! You can catch up HERE and next week I'll be yakking with the bite sized blonde bimbo bombshell of Brighton, Miss Darcey Nox. But today, it's all eyes on Dawn so let's dive in head first!🤿🌊
DALEYPOP: Heyyy Sean ooops I mean Dawn! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas?! How are you and how are you surviving Crimbo Limbo?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Hi Dale! Merry Christmas! Mine was been a busy one leading up to the big day but the main event was spent with family and eating loads of food so can't complain (until I next have to put my corset on) Overall though I'm well thanks, its been a great year, lots of highlights and some amazing memories made!
DALEYPOP: For our readers who haven't had the delight of witnessing Dawn the Drag Queen yet, can you give us a little intro and let us know what pronouns you go by in and out of drag?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Well I'm Dawn the Drag Queen, Dawn for short, Dawn the Daddy if you're nasty! I'm from the "sunny" city of Southampton, home of 2 of our greatest historical tragedies, that being the Titanic and Craig David (I'm joking, his first album slapped!) I go by he/she/they in and out of drag. But being from Southampton, I usually go by mush or bruv! My drag is very gender fluid, I like pretty gowns with a full beard and a chest full of hair!
DALEYPOP: Brighton has such a vibrant drag scene, how did you first find your place within it?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Well I first discovered Brighton drag in 2006 when I started university in the city. I walked into Revenge and was greeted by the Lollypop Girls (i could've got that name wrong, but i'm certain that that's what they were called!). It wasn't the first time I had seen drag, but the first time I had experienced drag filled with love and joy. I then went on to other venues around the scene and saw the likes of Maisie Trollette, Dave Lynn, Miss Jason, Lola Lasagne to name a few. I never thought in a million years that nearly 20 years later I would've been working the same stages as these icons.
I've said for years, that Brighton has and always will have the best drag scene in the country and home to some of my favourite drag performers, old and new.
DALEYPOP: It's the question on everybody's lips: what's the story behind the name Dawn?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: What a great question thank you for asking! Well, when I first started my drag journey, I toyed with a number of names! For those that remember, there was a name that shall never get repeated! But I stuck with Dawn, because it was always a nickname for me when I'd have a drink. Drunk Sean = Dawn! There was a lady that I vividly remember in a bar once that I was talking to who was called Dawn. This majestic, colourful and vibrant lady. Drinking pints, and the more she sank, the more vocal and wild she got! She was common as anything and I loved her! And being a council kid, I just thought it worked! Wait I've just realised that doesn't sound too nice does it!? I promise I'm nice! But I do love a good pint and kebab!
DALEYPOP: Drag often mixes glamour with satire, what themes or messages do you like to explore in your performances?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Ultimately, I just like to have fun. Yes, drag is political. And I will use my voice and platform when I believe it's needed.
I think that the main forefront is to bring joy and light to people in what is such a dark and sadistic climate we're currently in. We're in a generation of people being triggered by a lot of things and subjects. I, for example, won't always use the word "queer" without saying "gay and/or queer" because I know that word can upset a lot of our older generation. It's a tricky topic and one that has obviously gotten more prominent in our community.
It's so easy to offend these days.
But it's also amazing to see more and more people living their truth and showing up and fighting for what's right more openly than when I was growing up. I really just like to make sure that whoever is in my audience, whatever people are going through and feeling, that they just have fun for that one hour. I love seeing people smile and hearing them laugh at something I've done. There really is no better feeling.
DALEYPOP: Who or what inspired you to be a drag queen?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Watching terrible drag queens and knowing I can do better. I'M JOKING! No, I'm a big fan of the 80's new romantic era. Seeing the likes of Leigh Bowery, Boy George, Marilyn, Steve Strange was just all so fascinating to me. I watched the musical Taboo when I was maybe 13/14 and was just in awe of that 80's movement.
I remember my nan and grandad taking me to the panto is Southampton every year when Lily Savage was the resident dame each year.
But honestly. Everyone and anyone that can do this job is inspiring. I'm inspired each time I watch another performer.
DALEYPOP: How do you think your 10 year old self react to what you do now then?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Ooof, tough question! 10 year old me was a very different person. Very sheltered, very quiet and reserved. But still dreamt of performing. Whenever I did a show (at school or with the local youth theatre group), it would be an escape. To be someone that wasn't Sean for however long. I never thought I would be a performer when I was that age because the fear of being different (gay) would be exposed! But I think 10 year old me would be very proud of where I'm at now. FINALLY acknowledging that this is actually ok, and that I'm going to be fine!
DALEYPOP: Cocktail or mocktail?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Is anal an option?
DALEYPOP: Window or aisle seat?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Oh window 100%. I can be left alone then!
DALEYPOP: Who's your crush of the day?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: Jesus, where do I begin. I have so many. There's a really cute guy sat right opposite me in the coffee shop right now! I think we're all universally agreed on Jonathan Bailey aren't we?
I've also been watching Heated Rivalry (don't ask me how if you're a police officer reading this although I've just found out that it's coming to the UK on January 10th!).
Now I want to play hockey! (Obviously for the sport, obviously).
DALEYPOP: Oh obviously, what was the last thing you Googled?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: I'd like to keep things private, thank you. (Fine, it was Love Honey, they were having a sale and couldn't remember if it was .com or .co.uk!)
DALEYPOP: Do you have any new year's resolutions and what are you up to on NYE?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: I have a few resolutions, some for Sean and some for Dawn. Learn some new songs, take some more time to myself, meditate more, smoke less, eat well, more sex etc! On new years eve I'm actually in Brighton performing at Bar Broadway! So come see me be silly and bring in the new year with me!
DALEYPOP: Annnnnnnd what's next for Dawn in 2026?
DAWN THE DRAG QUEEN: World domination, own a dog, see Japan, perform at the iconic Two Brewers. In that order.
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