INTERVIEW: Meet Ruffles, the Bearded Broad of Brighton

Welcome to the Brighton & Hove residents' community corner series celebrating the city’s bold drag artists and boundary breaking performers. I wanted to create a space that goes beyond the glam, where we get to know the real people behind the fabulous personas because erm, why not?!

This week, we’re joined by Ruffles aka the Bearded Broad of Brighton!

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 and Q&As HERE. And be sure to check back next week when we’re joined by the UK's no. 1 gay Tinky Winky impersonator, the iconic Alfie Ordinary.

But today, it’s all eyes on Ruffles 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 fans, I’m Ruffles, The Bearded Broad of Brighton. In drag I use him/her/them pronouns and out of drag I use he/him pronouns.

What first drew you to drag and how long have you been doing drag for?

I have always loved to dress up and perform. Halloween was always my favourite time of year. So when I was old enough and I realised I could turn my weird and wonderful playtime world into a job, I was made up! I’ve only been doing drag for 4 years.

Spill the tea, what’s the origin story of your drag name?

I was a professional scare actor when I lived up North (in the UK) and my favourite character to play was a clown. Ruffles was born when my clown persona started wearing neck ruffles. I transitioned Ruffles into a drag queen because surprisingly no one wants to book a cabaret clown (turns out it’s a massive trigger point to a lot of people and no one got him). Ruffles the drag queen as we know her was created.

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

You should be scared. Ha ONLY JOKING. We are just people in fabulous clothes and makeup and wigs trying to entertain people. We do more than most for charities all over the world and all we want to do is bring a little joy into your life. Remember that.

Brighton’s drag scene is obviously iconic. What do you think makes Brighton stand out from other cities you've performed in or visited?

Brighton has a wonderful reputation for its drag scene and I am proud to be a part of it. I like to think that every town and city I work in offers something different and unique which is amazing. I think Brighton’s history and the legends that have thrived here is what is unique about it.

Would you say drag in Brighton leans more toward activism, entertainment, or a delicious blend of both?

Oooohhhhhh I would have to say both. Especially with my shows. I work very hard at my job and I see drag as a platform where I am able to not just entertain but touch peoples lives and relay messages within our community (without being preachy!). Music is a massive part of our community and the lyrics to certain songs can help spread the world sometimes more than the most eloquently written speech.

For example I love to sing What About Us by P!nk. The words remind us to stand up against what is wrong which I have adhered to the way governments are treating our trans siblings at the moment.

We need to stand together with our trans siblings now more than ever.

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

I am a mixture of old school glam with a bit of a new/witch/punk touch. I am fortunate enough to have trained in makeup but my other half (@hausofmary) makes 80% of the outfits I wear on stage so I am a lucky queen.

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Do you have any favourite venues or events in Brighton that feel like your spiritual home on stage? Oh and which Brighton queens do you really vibe with or look up to?

I feel each and every venue gives me a different vibe, a different feel and a different reason to love it and continue doing what I do. There are so many different styles of venue and act that Brighton is just a melting pot of vibes and emotions. Pride, cabaret, private parties, bars, hotels, outdoor venues, residencies, working men’s clubs….we work them all and I thank each and every one of them for allowing me to do what I love each night. I vibe with ALL my sisters and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

What advice would you give to someone just stepping into the world of drag-whether they’re curious, nervous, or ready to slay?

DON’T DO IT! JOKES. Practice, practice, practice. Study your craft. Watch and learn from others and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most queens are happy to help. I know I am. Sharing knowledge is something we should all be doing. We are people in wigs, we aren’t curing cancer, just be kind to each other. 

Who inspires your fashion and performance style-both in drag and in everyday life?

In drag my biggest musical inspiration is our lordess and saviour, Cher obviously. She is EVERYTHING! Fashion wise in drag I like to try different styles and silhouettes and concepts. Out of drag I am terrible with fashion. I wear what is comfortable and all black. I have long hair and covered in tattoos so I kind of give viking vibes, so I’m told anyway. 

Who's your crush of the day?

OOOoooooo Paul Rudd, he never seems to age. I want to know his secret. 

Current fave pop song?

I am really bad with keeping up to date with modern music. I’m a bit of an old lady when it comes to being down with the kids but I listen to all sorts of music from metal and rock to musical theatre so I’ve never really had a favourite song. My favourite artists are P!nk and Cher though!

Where can our readers catch your next performance and what can they expect from a Ruffles show? 

I'm lucky enough to work up and down the UK and abroad so feel free to just follow me on Insta: @theonlyruffles to find out where she is next. Expect killer vocals, sharp whit and a suspiciously tall “woman”.