INTERVIEW: Dolly Diamond, the International Cabaret Queen says "The negativity surrounding drag is perplexing to me and that’s definitely putting it politely...."

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 erm, why not?!

This week, we’re joined by UK born Aussie Cabaret Queen: Dolly Diamond.

If this is somehow only the first interview of my centrestage series that you've stumbled across (OMG) and you want to catch up on the others, well good news! You can catch up HERE and next week I'll be yakking with multi award winning Scottish recording artist: Allan Jay.

But today, it's all eyes on Dolly Diamond so let's dive in head first

Hey Dolly! For readers who are meeting you for the very first time, could you give us a quick introduction and let us know the pronouns you use both in and out of drag?

I'm Dolly Diamond, I’ve been at this for quite a while now, splitting my time between Melbourne and London. It takes a fair bit of organising but I feel very lucky to be able to make it work. I was born in London and have always thought of myself as English with a touch of Australia rising. It’s she/her all the way (when I'm performing as Dolly, he/him when I'm Michael Dalton).

Since when have you been on stage?

I think I’m a year shy of celebrating 25 years on stage. My very first gig was in Cardiff and from the moment I stepped out there, I loved it. Entertaining people has always been my passion-I get such joy from making audiences laugh and have a great time.

I love this question because it always uncovers something special. Tell us the story behind the name Dolly Diamond.

Well, I was named after Dolly Parton. My mother was one of her backing singers and so I grew up listening to Dolly and loving her music.

Even in 2025, drag can still make some folks clutch their pearls which is wild to me. What would you say to the nervous Nellies?

The negativity surrounding drag is perplexing to me and that’s definitely putting it politely....there’s always an element of society that needs a target for their hatred and hostility and the drag community was the punching bag for quite some time.

Brighton’s drag culture has a reputation all its own, how does it compare with Melbourne’s?

British drag is far more old school and I’m definitely part of that class, however I’ve always admired Dame Edna Everage and she certainly put Aussie drag on the map.

I love comedy, powerful vocals and a good singalong and honestly, nobody serves that better than a British drag queen.

Is drag in Brighton and Melbourne, for you, more about the stage lights, the social message or a fusion of both worlds?

For me, being part of the scene-no matter where you are-is all about giving the crowd a great time, because that’s at the core of what we do. But when it counts, most of us are right there in the middle of it.

I’ll always raise my voice and speak up, whether it’s standing with the trans community or calling out any kind of social injustice.

Which Brighton venues or events give you that sense of belonging on stage?

I don’t work all of the Brighton venues but I’ve certainly had a drink in most of them! I love Brighton and my next trip in 2026 I’ll be residing in Saltdean. It’s only for 3 months next year as opposed to an 8 month stay this time around.

Tell us about Dragging Your Heels, the queer play you were part of? (I didn’t catch the show but I adore the original London cast recording on Spotify)

It was such a joy to originate the role, and having Tammy Scowls written especially for me felt truly special. Acting has always been a passion of mine and musical comedy is right up my strasse!

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A post shared by Dolly Diamond (@therealdollydiamond)

The show carried a beautiful message too and I’d love the chance to do more projects like that in the future.

Do you have a crush of the day?

Robert Irwin has my attention....

Tell us, what was your most recent Google search?

How many murders constitute a serial killer?😱

Do you have a song that you're loving right now?

Right now, it’s I’m Still Here (from the musical Follies) and Elaine Stritch’s rendition is the one I keep coming back to.

For our readers’ diaries, where will you be performing next?

I’m heading back to Oz on 22nd December, but before I go there are plenty of chances to catch me! You’ll find me at Charles Street Tap hosting Who Wants To Be A Dolly’O’Naire on Wednesday 3rd and Wednesday 10th December. I’ll also be at Queens Arms on Saturday 6th December and at Legends on Sunday 7th December.

And of course, I couldn’t leave without a proper send‑off so join me for my farewell party at the Queens Arms on 19th December with DWNN, Lola Lasagne and Marsha Mallow. Don’t worry though….I’ll be back in Brighton in 2026!