ANNA GLYPTA is an integral part of the Leeds scene and a wonderful performer. Known by many for her outrageous repartee and huge stage presence, Leeds has had the pleasure to watch her develop into the ANNA that we know today. Here is Anna’s story of how she was born...

“In January 2004 I was sat in the back bar of The New Penny, getting quietly pissed with a friend when the manager was complaining about not having a karaoke host. I piped up that I'd hosted the odd night "down South"... when he said he specifically wanted a drag queen I said I'd done that too! Whether he was desperate, was just willing to give anyone a go or saw something in me that he thought would work I still don't know but he gave me a start and 2 weeks later with dodgy make-up and an even dodgier wig Anna Glypta was born!
I stayed at "The Penny" for three years and during that time taught myself to DJ, got involved with Pride events, caught the performance bug and through working with other Drag Queens like Bubbles and Sam Buca I steadily improved my look and my act!
After three years I left to work at The Viaduct Showbar and truly discovered my love for performing cabaret and singing live. In 2005 I put together The Viaduct Showgirls with Carla Jackson and Bubbles, who would eventually join the Birdcage and be replaced by Mindy LeWhore.
After 18 months I also joined the new team at Blayds and with Ruby Loren put together the double act "The Champagne Showgirls". My time at Blayds was very happy and I am proud to have played my part in resurrecting this fab venue but after a few months I was made an offer I couldn't refuse and rejoined The Viaduct Showbar team full time. A new Viaduct Showgirl line-up was put together and with boy dancers the show became very successful until the credit crunch and recession meant that some cutbacks were made and our happy band of five became two... Myself and my current comedy-cabaret partner: Anja Bach. Collar 'N' Cuffs Cabaret was born.

This year I have finally put my own solo show together. "Anna Glypta: LARGER Than Life!" was a long time in the making and is something I am incredibly proud of. I sing live, I perform mime numbers and I have a lot of audience participation numbers. I still love DJing and take both residencies and one off DJ bookings up and down the UK.

Since creating Glyppi in 2004 I've been honoured with an entry into the Leeds Pride Awards Hall of Fame, become "Creative Controller" of Drag 4 U, judged Drag Idol for three years, appeared on the BBC and Bio, written a regular column for Shout! Magazine, featured in the national press, had successful summer seasons in Scarborough and Hull and performed and sang in front of tens of thousands of people at Pride events all over the UK.

I'm working on new projects for the future including working with a live band, recording an album and creating a touring Ladies Night troupe.

As well as this I am still at my spiritual home: The Viaduct Showbar, on Saturday nights hosting the show and keeping the crowds dancing. I'm performing at The Polar Bear in Hull on Sundays and also up and down the country with my solo show.”

For all the latest on where Anna is and what she is doing check out her Facebook or twitter pages or go to www.annaglypta.com