Nancy Clench: Who is the Yes Queen?

It starts with a shave. Then a spin of a little La Cage Aux Folles to set the mood, before makeup, glitter, the wig and deadly size 12 heels. Nathan Sparling steps in, and from the most fabulous cocoon this side of the Clyde, 7'2" of Nancy Clench emerges. Scotland’s biggest drag queen, the result of a one-night Drag Idol Lady Gaga mash-up, has been storming the scene since August 2013. From less-glamorous beginnings DJing and hosting karaoke, she now tours the country, as well as hosting a monthly night at The Gallery, Merchant City. This month she brings two shows to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Known almost as much for her dedicated political activism as her acid tongue, it’s no surprise that pro-independence campaigner, and MSP Parliamentary Assistant Nancy is tackling the referendum debate head-on. Her show Yes Queen is a satirical exploration of post-indy Scotland with her at the dazzling helm. (Looking magnificent, naturally.)

On why she’s voting Yes...

“Would anyone like to give control of their bank account to the bank manager and be told how and when to spend the money, while a lot was taken and spent elsewhere? I don't think so!”

On why Yes Queen is different to other political shows...

“Nobody knows truly what an Independent Scotland would be, so I thought why not use this to my advantage and look at how Nancy Clench would run it with her party, Drag Queens for Independence.”

On the importance of political activism...

“It's important to have LGBT activists that work in the LGBT community and hear what LGBT people are thinking about different issues. Nancy always has a presence at Scotland's two Pride events; Pride Scotia in Edinburgh and Pride Glasgow. Drag Queens, by their very nature are there to give voices to people who don't think they have a voice and it's important to use that in a responsible way.”

On how parliament reacts to her alter ego...

“My colleagues, boss and other MSPs are very supportive of my comedy career – so much so many of them have been to my comedy shows! The idea of 'Drag Queens for Independence' also keeps them happy!”

On the role of comedy during the referendum debate...

“Comedy needs a role in this debate – it's a lengthy debate, and one many people get very passionate about. We need the chance to sit down and have a laugh about it – or else we'd all go mad!”

On the challenges of writing political comedy...

“A political comedy show can't be a party political broadcast with jokes thrown in; you need to engage with your audience and make them laugh throughout. It can't be a lecture. You've got to be mindful they could be people that disagree with you politically, so finding humour in your own politics can be tricky.”

On the message of Yes Queen...

“Anything is possible. We're, hopefully, about to enter in to a new political world in Scotland where people will have the power. I want people to leave Yes Queen thinking that their ideas aren't as wacky as they first thought, and to get on to the streets saying Yes!”