TITTI LA CAMP will be performing at The Viaduct Showbar, Leeds on Sunday 29th August.

In an exclusive gayleeds.com interview, we found out more of what is in store for you!

When was Titti born and why?

It all began seriously for me in 1992 after being entered into a talent contest at the famous Black Cap Bar in London. I had to be talked into it as I had seen a few of the acts in the previous heats and was convinced I didn't stand a chance, However I went on to win the grand final and that gave me the confidence to believe that I could actually do this full time. The following day I chucked in the day job was a Post office counters mistress and the rest is history.




Can you describe Tiiti and her act?

Visual comedienne. The first routine I ever created was "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins and because the feedback was that people found it refreshing that they were seeing original ideas and routines that had not been performed on the scene before I decided that the rest of the show should be likewise. There was a lot of hit and miss, one never really knows what is going to be funny until it’s presented on stage and it’s not easy to be original, hence why a lot of acts will copy. The time and effort is worth it ... get it right and those numbers can remain popular for years, Feed the Birds is still one of the highlights in the show.



Do you have to constantly develop your act and if so, is that a challenge that you enjoy?

My main concern is that I give the audience the best show possible. If I have a new idea and it doesn't work after a few attempts then I won't flog a dead horse and I will resign the idea to the trash bin, even if it has cost me a lot of money. Luckily the two latest ideas are going down very well with crowds and they are my tributes to the musical 'Wicked' and to the song 'Hallelujah'; I can see these two remaining in my show for a while. This year I also have been part of creating a show with two friends who are brilliant performers and this gives me a great opportunity to play with ideas that one person along can't do. The unfortunate side of this is that we can only work where we are based in London as the show is quite expensive, but creatively it’s a fun adventure to be on.


What is the biggest audience that you have played too?

I suppose live it may be when I opened the cabaret stage at the London Pride festivities when they were held in Hyde Park. I also appeared on one of the Drag Queen Weakest Link specials, and so you could say that millions saw me on that, as it was broadcasted on a Saturday night for a change. Though I have to add, that size really isn't everything, some of my most memorable nights have been to a small audience.



Best and worst experience for Titti?

I'm having one of my best experiences right now actually. I am appearing in a West End theatre in a play about the AIDS quilt called "Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens'. The role I am playing was played by Lily Savage when it was originally produced in the early nineties, so this is a great honour for me and I love working with actors, it makes a lovely change to the lonely cabaret circuit.

The worse experience would be the last time I did a summer season abroad. I worked every night for six months with shit pay to an audience of Russian prostitutes and their clients. It was simply horrible and has put me off ever working abroad again. I'm more than happy to stick to these shores. You can't beat the Brits!



What does the future hold for her?

I try not to have a rigid plan, but I never expected to still be doing these eighteen years since I started but it has been enormous fun and I have some great memories, so I can see why it won't continue long into the future. I certainly would love to do more acting as well as performing on the gay circuit so will probably pursue that too. I'll just keep doing what makes me happy, I'm very lucky to be able to say that.



Anything else that you would like to add?

Yes. I want to thank Leeds scene for all the support and kindness it has given me over the years. One of my first ever gigs was at The New Penny and I have been appeared many times since then at several venues. I can honestly say that I have never travelled back down the motorway feeling like I had a bad night, on the contrary, I've always had a blast and I look forward to every opportunity to work there. You always give me a fantastic night and in return I hope I give you my best xx