Ahead of their show at The Jolly Farmers, Oxford – and amidst a UK drought – Ginny Lemon talks to Sam Bennett about cake, opening the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, their new album Tonic, and non-binary representation.
How are you coping in this muggy and dry weather?
Extremely well, I love the sun!
An opening question about the weather possibly reminds you of countless emails you used to receive when working corporate desk jobs – ‘hope this email finds you well and you haven’t melted’ and all of that! What other clichés do you remember from your desk job days?
Birthday cakes! I can’t stand enforced office birthday cakes! I mean, it’s either that the birthday person has made the cake themselves and brought it into work, which tastes as tragic as the situation, or their best friend has made them one – who is often the boss you hate too!
You address work in ‘Ding Dong’, from your new album Tonic, where you also have your say on the post office. Did you ever not hate the post office? Perhaps there was a time when you saw them as quaint, friendly and idyllic places, such as you might find in an episode of Midsomer Murders…
Well, back in the day, Worcester had a lovely open massive post office, before it was made into a mini supermarket. Now it’s upstairs in a cramped, boiling stationary shop with no air and some of the rudest staff I have ever met in my life!
You also sing about your overdraft on this album. When making a record, what’s harder: being honest about your feelings or being honest about your finances?
Neither and both at the same time.
Which other musicians are exciting you right now?
Ukrainian artists like DakhaBrakha and ONUKA excite me. They represent their country with such pride and power, I can feel the music if I don’t always understand the language.
What are you reading and watching at the moment?
I’m having a sci-fi phase. I’ve just watched The Sandman and I’m reading American Gods – both by Neil Gaiman – so I’m geeking out.
Who makes you laugh more than anyone?
The Tory government – never heard of a funnier joke!
Who else is significantly heightening non-binary representation?
I would like to see a non-binary hoover. I mean, we have Henry and Hetty, where is yellow non-binary vacuum cleaner?
What are the differences between preparing for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, and your upcoming gig at Oxford’s The Jolly Farmers?
I shall drink two bottles of vodka instead of one.
You’ve already popped into The Farmers before for a drink, what can we expect from your next visit?
A show, darling! I have been to The Farmers quite a few times now as a watering hole, but I’m excited to bring the house down with a showstopping performance!
From what you’ve seen of Oxford, does it strike any similarities with your hometown?
Oxford has the prison where they filmed Bad Girls and Worcester is full of bad girls! Apart from that, most cities are the same – lovely cathedrals and drug addicts!
What else is on your schedule?
I have just announced a 2023 tour with my RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (series 2) and Celebrity Coach Trip sister, Sister Sister! Your two least favourite queens for the worst drag show ever!
