BILLY SUTER chats to sassy, Cape Town-based drag icon Lilly Slaptsilli, who is returning to Durban this week, having last performed here at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo in July 2025. Her new show is For Frock Sake, a mix of camp comedy and amusing anecdotes from Lilly’s 30 years of drag, restricted to over-16s. Performances are scheduled for the new Nutcracker Theatre at Macnut Farm at 13 Lello Road in Assagay (down the road from Heidi’s Farm Stall) – at 6pm for 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14; and at 12.30pm for 2pm on Sunday, March 15. Tickets cost R495 at this exclusive, 60-seater, fully licenced theatre, where a meal will also be served for your ticket price. For bookings, call Hannah at 074 603 0000.
TELL us about your new show, For Frock Sake.
It’s a fun retrospective of all the shenanigans and requests I have endured over the past 30 years of being a female impersonator and comedienne. I will take you behind the scenes and spill the beans on three decades of crazy gigs and theatrical drag adventures.
I am looking forward to the newly created, intimate 60-seater theatre which has a blend of sparkling chandeliers, lush velvet curtains, fairylights and a cosy vintage-retro ambiance.
What would you say to people to encourage them to see the new show?
Netflix and Uber Eats cannot trump a live show. you can renew a subscription, but if you miss a show it’s gone forever. (Yowzer… listen to me getting all clever).
What do you enjoy about Durban and Durban audiences?
I’ve always been drawn to Durbanites. Sometimes, only after a conversation is going so easily, I’ll ask “Are you from Durbs?” Genuine, easy-going folk.
How many solo shows have you done now?
More than 300 since 2016, excluding corporate and private gigs.
What has been the reaction to recent shows?
Mostly, the reaction has been that folks are so desperate to laugh again. I have had a few standing ‘ovulations’ ( which always make me cry) and I still drop to my knees with gratitude (and numbness.) I believe that I’ve been given a gift and I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.
What has Lilly been up to of late – any new projects or plans?
I have been working really hard at performing in towns and venues that normally don’t get shows – building return business and relationships. More and more, I am getting my head into social media and understanding that there is a digital currency and my fan base has value.
New project? Here’s an exclusive… my biggest dream has always been to perform in a big theatre and present a show with all the bells and whistles: trap doors, set changes, multimedia delights.I want to give my fans (eeww! that sounds creepy) a gift in the way of a spectacular show. A “sillybration”, it will include my best numbers, special moments over 30 years, back stories and bloopers – brought to you by (enter name of sponsor), she hints.
What of Lilly’s real you, Clive Allardyce? Tell me more about what he has been up to of late and the travel blog/instagram you have with your sis.
My sister Jean, an award-winning hairstylist, and I have an Instagram account called Jinger Journeys, devoted to our travels together. We have travelled extensively; separately and apart. We’ve stayed in packers, lodges… right up to seven-star hotels. We love it, we get it, we need it.
Sharing tips and travel hacks, and bringing people along with us, is our pleasure. The competition is fierce and if we could assist a small Air BnB, restaurant, art gallery or lifestyle with a boost, marketing on our platforms, then ‘yay’ .
I have started drawing again too … and I’m keen to see my work turned into prints on clothing, cards, wrapping paper and more.
What have been three gig highlights for you in more recent times?
I did a circus-themed gig at a massive casino. I played a ringmaster who was born a Siamese twin and was surgically separated from his sister, Lola. In the second half of the show, I came on as Lola, and then later the client and guests were asking where the ringmaster was for the final bow.
Also memorable was being the MC for a gay wedding in Elgin for two incredible guys. The love and joy from the family and friends was unforgettable.
Another highlight was a photoshoot in Amsterdam, with my sister as the photographer.
Have you had any embarrassing moments of late, perhaps recent wardrobe malfunctions or other wobbles on stage or off, that you could share with us in some detail?
I recall an after-show meet-and-greet with almost 200 guests. I got home and the audience started posting their pics with Lilly on their socials. In my head, I looked stunning in a sparkly leotard with a see-through over-dress. My sister then sent me screengrabs from that evening, where she’d drawn a circle in the crotch area. My entire left testicle was hanging out. Delicious!
What has been you most embarrassing/unintentionally amusing moment ever in a show?
It was when I was doing a year-end function, performing a lip-sync to an Ella Fitzgerald number. I always do her with a slight body quiver. Then I noticed an elderly woman mocking me and once I focused, I realised she had Parkinsons. I assume she thought it was me taking the ‘P’.
What are the pros and cons of being a drag performer?
It is great developing shows and characters and seeing your audiences get it. The relief and joy you feel, knowing your ideas have worked. On the downside, drag is painful and uncomfortable – up to seven hours at a gig. In a corset, on heels, with drunk people making crazy demands for more.
What comments on the South African drag scene, its growth and problems it may face?
It is getting quite saturated. Being a popular medium at the moment, it’s attracted a few grifters – unprepared, untrained and almost doing it as a party trick. They undercut rates and essentially put clients off booking drag again. On the flipside, a few gems have emerged, with a natural instinct and talent to entertain.
Drag Race South Africa is apparently being planned – any association likely from you, either as host, guest or competitor?
So, this is a World of Wonder (Wow) franchise bought from Rupaul. So it’s just Drag Race (no Rupaul). I have read the contract and it’s brutal. For an earning, established queen giving a percentage of all future earnings, for quite a few years, is a tough ask.
I think I could make a great contribution as a guest judge on the show. Wow is a slick operation and will do a sterling job of the production. Also, I know we have some girls that can hopefully be part of the international stable.
Any other comments?
I love you Billy Suter. You have no idea how much your consistency and passion has done for the entire theatre community. For that, I thank you. (I know it sounds ‘sucky-uppy’, but I have said it now).
.....SoSuterBill..... 