Tax officer who hopes to become Britain’s top drag queen ..& fiancee’s behind him
Robert aims to return with crown
A TAXMAN is battling to become Britain’s top drag queen – if he can pass a rigorous inspection at Britain’s first nationwide pageant.
Robert, 28, works for HM Revenue and Customs nine-to-five but moonlights on stage as sassy Jessica Blaise in tartan minidress, stockings and studded collar.
For the avoidance of doubt, Robert says he’s straight – and will have the full support of his fiancée at the Miss Drag UK final.
His work colleagues also know but, surprisingly, he hopes to keep his glamorous alter ego a secret from his parents and future in-laws.
LOSS
Project supply officer Robert said: “At work I’m quiet. But when I’m Jessica I’m sassy and polished.
“In my early experimental days I looked like a bloke in a dress.
“Now, thanks to YouTube tutorials and the online community, there’s support and guidance and I love going to bars.”
Robert admits his fiancée was at a loss when they met six years ago.
“She asked if I was gay but when I explained I wasn’t she embraced it,” he said. “Now we share make- up and outfits. If I have a diva moment she says, ‘I can see Jess coming out.’ But she’ll be cheering me on at the final.”
Robert aims to return to Basildon, Essex, with the title but the threshold is high – after deductions, 50 entrants have become 22 finalists, aged 15 to 58.
Rivals include hairdresser Conor Allum, 20, of Folkestone, Kent, who spends £200 creating Sapphire Stonee.
Conor said: “I get ideas from Gucci and Dior and can put together an outfit in five hours. Drag isn’t sordid or dirty – it’s an institution.” Benjamin Aldridge, 27, takes six hours to become Vanessa Storm. The hairdresser, of Gidea Park, East London, said: “I’m a short fat guy but when I put on my wig I become a beautiful girl and perform burlesque.
“It’s performance. We must remove the stigma.”
Harry David Watson, 21, was ostracised by some relatives after creating his character Rosé Zinfandel.
He said: “They see me as a disgrace. But I’m laid back and invite conversation about drag. Luckily I have plenty of support –my mum loves it.” The 5ft 11ins barista, from East Molesey, Surrey, wears 8ins platforms as Rosé. He said: “I do get hecked in public – but most say ‘ Wow’.”
The title will be decided at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, on March 10, with proceeds going to charity.
A “non-costume” interview is followed by three catwalk rounds.
Organiser Blake Allum, 24 – a social worker who is drag artist Areola Grande – said: “Drag is an art form.
“It’s performance, make up, hair, eccentricity – and we’re celebrating that.
“The theme is positive diversity and our competing queens are a mix of young and old, trans, male and female and straight and gay.”
Pageant creator Sonja Wilson, of Ashford, Kent, said: “Dirty jokes are banned – it’s family friendly.”
Taxman Robert – who began wearing women’s clothes aged 20 – said: “I want to show young people it’s OK to embrace drag. It’s not about sexuality or gender – it’s about feeling amazing.”
At work I’m quiet...but when I’m Jessica I’m sassy and polished ROBERT TAX WORKER IN MISS DRAG UK FINAL