Lady Bushra battles for belle of the ball

Drag fans are in for a ball this Christmas at Contact with not one but two Manchester drag queens taking centre stage in this year’s pantomime. But will there be room for Cinderella herself in all this fabulousness? Carmel Thomason meets Lady Bushra to find out…

What can people expect from Cinderella at Contact this year?

Lady Bushra: “Cinderella will of course think she’s belle of the ball, whereas we all know this honour should be bestowed upon the two true beauties that are Veruca and Hernia. I’m raging at the thought of her!”

How are you feeling about stepping into the shoes of Ugly Sister Veruca?

Lady Bushra: “I’m super excited to be stepping into the role of Veruca, my drag persona in general is a little dramatic and over the top so this role fits me like a glove.”

Have you performed in a professional pantomime before? 

Lady Bushra: “Although I’m no stranger to the stage, this will be my debut in panto and I’m very much looking forward to it”.

What was your first experience of pantomime?

Lady Bushra: My first experience, including first time ever performing was in primary school. Funnily enough I played the role of the step-sister in Cinderella too. It went down an absolute storm!

How much of Lady Bushra will you bring to the role?

Lady Bushra: “I will definitely be bringing a bit of the Bush to panto – how can I not? The audience will definitely be expecting Bushra to make the stage her stomping ground”.

Have you seen anything of Veruca’s fashion choices yet and what do you think of them?

Lady Bushra: “Stunning, of course!”

How are you preparing for such an intense run of shows?

Lady Bushra: “Plenty of water and positive thoughts!”  

What are your thoughts on having two Drag Queens in the roles of the Ugly Stepsisters this year?

Lady Bushra: “I think it’s a step in the right direction as far as putting on an entertaining show is concerned. Both of us a super excited and really looking forward to sinking our teeth into the roles. Its’ fantastic to see such variety and diversity in the casting”.

Have you worked with Misty Chance before?

Lady Bushra: “This will be my first time…hopefully not the last”.

Will you get a chance to show-off your lip-syncing skills?

Lady Bushra: “Perhaps?…Oh who am I kidding! Of course! I insist upon it!”

What can you tell us about the adult only shows?

Lady Bushra: “It goes without saying…please leave the kids at home”.

Cinderella runs at Contact Manchester from Sat 9 December until Sunday 31 December. Tickets range from £15 – £25. This is the first time eight-freestyle has teamed up with Contact Young Company (CYC) to present a pantomime at Contact. The modern twist also sees the company promoting sustainability through a collaboration with reworked clothing brand, Hart-Work.