Beauty Sleep, Being Yourself & Plenty Of Bedazzling – Inside The Glamorous World Of Flesh & Bones, London’s Fiercest Drag Duo
Have you ever spent a Sunday night at Freedom Bar Soho? If not, you need to get one in the diary. Allow me to introduce you to Heavenly Bodies – the high-energy drag night that’s been lighting up the venue for the past four years. Hosted by London’s electric drag duo, Flesh and Bones (who, excitingly, are celebrating their anniversary with a special edition this month), it’s a bi-weekly night of jaw-dropping performances and infectious energy, featuring six of the fiercest drag talent London – and beyond – has to offer.
On the night, you can expect everything from pop-girly lip-syncs to soaring ballads, mixed in with multiple jump-split moments – all served with unforgettable looks and transformations that will have you in a chokehold (I say this as someone who’s been in the audience more times than I can count). It’s easily one of the best drag nights in the city.
So, what does it really take to pull off a show like this? To get a proper look behind the scenes – into a world of packed schedules, wig maintenance, and last-minute choreography shake-ups – we spent a whirlwind weekend with Flesh and Bones (scroll down to watch the full video). And below, the duo spill their best insider tips for living a life of full-blown showbiz and unapologetic glamour.
THERE REALLY IS NO AVERAGE DAY WITH DRAG...
Flesh: There’s always an invoice to be sent or a costume that needs washing or repairing. And there is always hair to be styled! I would say we spend most of our weekdays trying to fit in normal tasks between the endless chores that come with maintaining a drag persona – let alone the admin of running our events. I need a cocktail already.
Bones: Oh baby, let me tell you, the life of a queen is glamorous, but it’s also hard work! After years of dazzling audiences, I’ve learned the importance of beauty sleep. So you can usually find me lounging in bed until the early afternoon, letting my body recover from those killer performances. Once I rise and shine, I’ll pamper myself with a luxurious shower and a late breakfast fit for royalty. Then, it’s all about prepping for the next gig – whether it’s perfecting my choreography, bedazzling my costumes or brainstorming new routines, I’m always working to bring my A-game to the stage. And by 9pm, it’s time to transform! I’ll start painting my face, creating a stunning look that will leave the audience gagged. With my regular residencies, my life is surprisingly routine-based, which is a badge of honour in this industry. It takes discipline to stay on top, darling, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
THE IDEAL CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT IS BEING SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS...
Flesh: ...Preferably with free and unlimited access to tequila and/or red wine! My best ideas are born from moments shared with the people that allow me to be totally myself and understand my vision enough to guide me through the maelstrom of my mind. I hope I can do the same for them.
FINDING DRAG TOOK TIME...
Bones: For me, moving from a small village outside of Manchester to London at 18 was a pivotal moment. I was craving queer friends, and it took a year to discover the vibrant drag scene. I was instantly captivated! Meeting the legendary Jodie Harsh [a DJ, club promoter, drag queen and recording artist] was a game-changer; her guidance was invaluable in navigating the nightlife industry. Soon after, gigs started pouring in, and I fell head over heels in love with the nightlife scene.
USUALLY, A LOOK BEGINS WITH BEAUTY...
Flesh: Drag is entirely made up of artifice – what we put on our face and bodies – so there is an intrinsic relationship between these materials and our creativity. I just had a bleached brow phase that had me feeling very punk, so I was wearing lots of spikes and leather. But for summer I am all about the LPD (little party dress): no fuss, all frills, and let the beauty do the work.
NEW YORK IS ALWAYS A GOOD TIME...
Flesh: The energy of the city, and the community there, makes drag feel so visceral and alive. We have visited New York together a few times, and I have been at least once every year for the last three years. London can be a bit sleepy, sometimes, in comparison. We also recently visited Gran Canaria and I don’t think I have ever had more fun on a Sunday night than traipsing around the Jumbo Centre with my girls.
INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE, BUT MAINLY IN THE PERFORMERS AROUND US...
Bones: As my family has grown in London, it’s always a privilege to be surrounded by such talent and creativity! Other sources of inspiration for my glam and outfit looks, as well as concepts for Heavenly Bodies, include gothic, sci-fi, and fantasy movies.
Flesh: I have been exploring lots of Surrealist and fantasy films from the ’70s and ’80s recently for their hair and makeup; I was always a fan of mythology and fantasy films growing up and it’s been enriching to explore the source material for some of my favourite references! Although I must say, some – like Flash Gordon and Barbarella – have a much stronger visual presence than plot...
THE ONE SONG THAT’S ALWAYS SPECIAL TO PERFORM IS...
Flesh: ...Don’t Cry For Me Argentina. It’s always a special moment for me; it was one of the first songs that made me feel electric as I performed. In my gay little mind this anthem of hope and transformation spoke to all of the changing I was doing at that time and my own anxieties about what people may have thought of me; but now it’s a reminder to myself that I have always been the same person through this “mad existence”.
EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THESE 5 DRAG ARTISTS ON THEIR RADAR RIGHT NOW...
Flesh & Bones: We are deeply obsessed with Lushious Massacr and her daughter Mija: they’re both incredibly talented queens that double as some of the entertainment industry’s top-performing hair and makeup artists, and we truly believe our host Heiress Blackstone is one of the most talented MCs alive. Lastly, shout out to our girls Ellis Atlantis and Sire, who are constantly reaching new heights of glamour and beauty.
OUR ULTIMATE ADVICE TO ANYONE WANTING TO GET INTO DRAG...
Flesh: Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. It’s painfully simple, but in an industry where transformation and imitation are required, it can be easy to compare oneself to others and you can get lost in the maze of comparison. The advice I always give to other queens is to do the things they think no one would ever want to see, because nine times out of 10 there are people out there obsessed with that thing, too. Whether it’s a makeup style, hairstyle or a type of music: explore that!
OUR FAMILY UNIT IS READY TO BRING THE HOUSE DOWN...
Bones: I’m so excited to celebrate our 4th Anniversary of Heavenly Bodies at Freedom Bar in London’s Soho before we dive into the return of Lana Del Rave at The Clapham Grand on 4 July! Expect two high-production, high-energy shows.
A Weekend In The Glamorous World Of Flesh & Bones
From bottomless brunches to The Box, gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, then back down to London – all fuelled by a very generous flow of prosecco – in our exclusive video, Flesh and Bones take us through a typical working weekend in the life of a London drag duo. The grand finale? A well-earned day off at Mighty Hoopla Festival!
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