Where is Drag Race UK’s Lawrence Chaney from?
I’m from Glasgow and every single stereotype that you are thinking right now about a Scottish person is, is true for me! I love Irn-Bru and a caramel wafer. I’m almost the Austin Powers “fat bastard” of drag! I think of my Scottishness as an asset. I am definitely very proud to be Scottish and Glaswegian.
How old is Lawrence Chaney?
Lawrence Chaney is 23 years-old
What is the drag scene like in Glasgow?
England has a very rich history of drag, but as the drag scene in Scotland is fairly new. The pay is dreadful. If you want to take up drag here, God help you – you’ll be living off noodles and cobwebs!
Where does you drag name come from?
My real name is Lawrence, but “Chaney” comes from a 1920’s prolific silent movie star. He was known as the man of a thousand faces and I’m known as the queen of a thousand faces, because I’m good at impersonation, stupid voices and general buffoonery
How would you describe your drag look?
I am a mix of Rab C. Nesbitt and Susan Boyle! I take a lot of pride in my appearance. I want to look fierce! I make most of my own costumes. I do my own hair and makeup. I even make my own hip pads. I do it all, and I take huge pride in being literally self-made.
I love anything pastel coloured. My favourite colour is purple. If it reminds me of a chocolate bar, then I’m there.
Who or what inspires your drag?
I am inspired by worldwide legends Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michelle MacManus – a big shout out for Michelle! I also love kitschy sci-fi and horror nerdy things. I often look like some kind of alien out of Dr Who.
And my drag is always silly. I started drag about six years ago, I loved seeing RuPaul looking so glamourous, but also so funny and ridiculous. I wanted to emulate that. I love walking onto a stage looking fabulous and then being daft. I’m here to bring you comedy and tickle your funny bone! It brings me so much joy.
Why does Lawrence Chaney do drag?
I was always a very arty kid, playing around with makeup hair and barbie dolls and when I approached thinking about Uni and study, nothing really spoke to me… apart from drag. I realised that not only did drag fully encompass all of my passions and skills, it gave me license to be fabulous – so I went for it! For me drag is pure escapism.
What challenges are you hoping to slay?
I’m looking forward to comedy challenges, sketches and Snatch Game. I’ve got a lot of personalities in me! I am so competitive, even when it’s not a competition! I’m the friend that tries to out-sing you in the car when Mariah comes on!
Which challenges are you most nervous about?
I know I look very much like Darcey Bussell, but I am terrified of dancing challenges. I have two left feet, that are made of pure wood. I can’t sing either. I try, but unfortunately, it sounds like I’m being castrated.
Why RuPaul’s Drag Race UK?
It’s magical! In a world with so much hate and abuse for being different, this show celebrates difference. How amazing!
Also, I want to realise my dream of being a plus size supermodel from South East Glasgow. I want to set a precedent. I really want to show the world what this big diva can do. We can look fierce, wear high fashion too, not every joke needs to be a fat joke.
I really want to showcase the inner beauty, and the outer beauty – and not wear leotards with fringe on them as we all know Michelle Visage HATES that. I want to progress further, travel the world and be everywhere, like syphilis, everywhere! I want everyone to be in on this joke.
I am so ready for this race. I want to slay every challenge and take home that crown!
