‘I flirted with the whole cast’
Drag sensation Courtney Act just couldn’t help herself when she landed her dream role on Neighbours
Former Drag Race star, CBB winner and all-round queer icon Courtney Act is adding another string to her colourful bow this week, with a trip to Ramsay Street.
The 38-year-old drag queen will be heading to Erinsborough to make her Neighbours debut, playing herself at Lassiters’ Pride party over a number of episodes. We got on the phone to the Aussie star – who happens to be a lifelong fan of the soap – to discuss sharing a set with legends such as Stefan Dennis and why she has so much respect for the Drag Race UK queens…
Courtney, were you nervous about your appearance in Neighbours?
I was! When it first aired in Australia, I hadn’t seen it so I was worried, but actually I was pretty pleased with myself. I have actor friends who refuse to watch themselves back in anything, but I think it’s incredibly helpful and valuable to see your performance – and I really did enjoy seeing myself in Ramsay Street.
So you’re a big fan of the show then?
I’ve grown up watching
Neighbours – Harold, Madge, Kylie, Jason… Bouncer, the whole gang! So to be stood next to Paul Robinson in Lassiters was the weirdest thing. To step into Erinsborough, as an actor but playing myself, well, there were a lot of levels of confusion for my little brain. It was surreal.
What were the cast like?
They were so supportive and helpful. I’m strutting into their territory, admittedly with limited acting experience, and they were so patient. One of the things that allowed me to do my part well was the fact they were so good at their jobs.
When you’re acting you’re reacting to other people. So it helps when the person you’re playing opposite is not shit!
Will you be back?
I’d love to go back and do it again. My character hasn’t been killed off so there’s always hope. I was hoping for a kiss or a love interest, which didn’t happen. But I was definitely flirting as much as I could with all the cast.
It sounds like you were made very welcome!
Honestly, it was great.
Neighbours has come on leaps and bounds with its queer inclusion. We have a transgender actress playing a trans role, a gay couple, a bi woman and just being in Lassiters and watching the celebration of Pride happen, it was wonderful. Paul Robinson didn’t balk at the idea, no one needed it explained to them and in a subtle but powerful way, the stories that Neighbours tells help to inform Australian and UK society. I love it.
And of course you found fame on Drag Race – did you watch our UK version?
Drag Race, regardless of my involvement, is my favourite show on TV. And I loved your version. But the thing with the US show now is that so much emphasis is put on these gowns costing thousands of dollars, whereas in the UK version it was all about character and personality. And the creativity shone as a result. Now, in the US, the strategy of the show isn’t about the greater good, it’s about – ahem – cashing in. Drag is not known for ‘less is more’, it’s all about ‘more, more more’ and I guess Drag Race has taken that lead. There are so many series now, it’s constant! What’s next for you?
I’ll be touring my show Fluid around the UK and Europe next year. I can’t wait. I loved being in lockdown. I’ve been writing a book, so it’s been a good opportunity to focus, but being in front of a live audience – there’s nothing quite like that!
Neighbours is on weekdays, Channel 5, 5.30pm. For tickets to Fluid, see courtneyact. com/fluid