Interview with Christopher Peterson

How did you get involved in performing? 
It was a dark and stormy night in 1962 when a woman with abdomen pains crawled up the hill to the hospital. As she was wheeled into the maternity ward she let out a scream and out   popped ME. When I first saw the lights they were pink and amber so I broke out into song. She asked the doctor if it was a boy or a girl. He replied: “YES!”
Other than Judy, favourite character to play/impersonate? Why?
 Other than Judy? There are no others! But if I had to choose it would be ALL! Everyone from Marilyn to Lucy and back to Liza, the list goes on and on. Each one gives me the ability as an actor to stretch my muscle.
Which Diva are you dying to play and why?
 Celine Dion. Because of the CASH!
Describe a memorable moment in your career.
 Stripping for a rugby team. The coach hired me to teach the boys a lesson in objectifying women. In other words, the image they desire can be portrayed by a man.
You’ve been a performer since you were four – what keeps you going? 
CASH!!! No really, the audiences. There’s nothing else like it when it works.
What’s so special about Judy? 
Judy Garland, at one time in the history of show biz, was titled The Worlds Greatest Entertainer and at the same time the first publicly documented drug and alcohol abuser.These are both heavy crosses to bear, but through it all she maintained a sense of humour and dignity. So she is the first real superstar DIVA. Follow that, bitches.
What’s more challenging – one character for ninety minutes or a multitude in that same amount of time?
 Each has its own challenges. Doing many means packing an entire career into 5 minutes. Just doing one allows you delve deeper into a character. Luckily I almost channel Judy so it’s fun to play with her image and demeanour.
Sum up your career in three words. 
Blood, Sweat and Tears or The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!
How does designing your own costume add to your experience of performing?
 I get to control what I wear and very few performers have that luxury. Some actors say the character isn’t complete without the costume. This is truer for drag than any other art form. Plus, it allows me to share my second talent and love – clothing. 

What, in your opinion, is the greatest attribute a Drag Queen can have and why? 
Imagination. Oh and keep your day job! Like actors, only a privileged few get to make a living at it, so enjoy it while you can. Some day your next line may be “Would you like fries with that, Sir?”