Cabaret legend and Pride’s Got Talent head judge reveals why she loves the competition and what it’s really like to be a performer
Pride's Got Talent is an annual extravaganza, celebrating and showcasing the outstanding abilities within the LGBT+ community. Every year, the winners get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform live at Pride In London. We caught up with head judge and cabaret superstar Mzz Kimberley to find out more about this truly fabulous institution.
DIVA: How long have you been involved with Pride’s Got Talent?
MZZ KIMBERLEY: Oh my god, six years! I can’t believe it! It’s amazing. I absolutely love it. I love how it’s a platform to give anybody an opportunity. It’s not like one of those Simon Cowell shows where they’re just trying to get ratings. No one’s mean. There’s none of that. We want to appeal to everyone and we want everyone to come into this space and feel welcome. That’s what it’s all about.
What do you think would surprise people about the life of a performer?
Being a performer is not easy. It’s something that you can’t just turn it off and turn it on. You have to have it on all the time, if you really want to be that great performer. I rehearse a lot and I have a little dog, my little baby Lula. And it’s so funny because when I’m learning a script or something she’s looking at me like, "What are you doing? My mommy is crazy!"
What tips would you give people who want to ace an audition?
Don’t come onstage unless your act is 100%. You have to put a lot of work into it. Try to be creative and do something that no one else is doing. And I can’t stress this enough, stage presence is so important. You could be the best singer in the world, but if you don’t have stage presence, that’s it.
Do you think stage presence is something you can learn or is it innate?
To be honest, I think it’s something that’s in you, but I do think it’s something you can develop as well. I do believe anybody can do anything they want to do in this whole world, but you have to put the work into it. Some people have to work harder than others. And I’m one of those people!
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I’m celibate at the moment because I have chosen to be married to my career. I’ve done pretty well with my career but I feel that I could do even better. And I can’t put a partner through that. No way. I can’t date someone and all day I’m rehearsing and acting out scenes and trying on different outfits – they’re just gonna get bored!
Find out more at: prideinlondon.org/get-involved/prides-got-talent-2018/
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