Gscene Magazine - June 2020 Interview: Dave The Bear

Interview with Craig Hanlon-Smith

“I’d say 80% of my audience is straight, which is interesting, but then spaghetti is straight until you get it wet”

NO MORE SUPERSTITION THE ONSTAGE ANTICS AND HAIRY TITS OF A BIG HAIRY GROWLER

Dave The Bear, who occasionally moonlights as Big Hairy Growler, is a cabaret performer who Attitude magazine described as ‘Marvellously funny and wickedly cheeky’. Craig Hanlon-Smith caught up with ‘His Royal Hairiness’ to talk bare boy cabaret

What turned your head about this world? “I started performing in burlesque and cabaret in around 2007 and loved the freedom of creativity it gave me. Before that I sang in a professional 10-piece band with big ass brass sections and that was cool, but there wasn't much room for creativity. You’re told what to sing and what to wear, and as much as I enjoyed singing Superstition in a white shirt every night, I was bursting to do something more interesting, more edgy and more me. I started playing blues songs in cabaret bars in London, which led to me becoming part of the legendary troupe Bearlesque which, as the Beyoncé of the group (obvs), led to me going solo. I have a lovely time whether it’s singing, hosting shows or getting my furry bum out. I’m in control and as long as audiences are enjoying it I'll keep going till my head falls off.”

Describe your brand of cabaret.

“There are many levels to what I do. I enjoy a performer or a show that makes the audience think and experience different emotions. Performers are put in categories, which actually flattens their creativity as they begin to think an audience only wants to see the side of them that they’re comfortable with. I like to mix it up, you can be sexy and intelligent, you can do something joyful but with sadness in it. That said, positivity is always at the heart of what I do, whether you come to hear me sing, watch me dance, listen to my stories or just look at my hairy tits, as long as you’re enjoying yourself then I'm happy”.

What makes your cabaret special?

“Brighton cabaret scene is superb and full of so many different glorious flavours and it’s wonderful to be a part of that. I like to think I'm unique, which I guess is a selling point. My brand is quite masculine, well as masculine as cabaret can be. When I'm stripping I usually have a butch character, a gladiator, biker, pirate etc, but balance that out with sassy music. In my singing shows I'll be dressed as a cowboy or in a tailored suit and performing songs from my eclectic taste in music, including people like Bill Withers, Chris Isaack, Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway.”

You recently located to Brighton. Why?

“I’ve been performing in Brighton for almost 10 years, mainly at Proud Cabaret, The Mesmerist and most years at Pride and Brighton Fringe, so I feel very at home here. I lived in London until November 2019, which had become a bit stale for me and most of my friends were here so I finally came down and I'm loving it. “Before lockdown I had shows every week here and many more in the pipeline. I was performing at Proud Cabaret each weekend and had new shows at The Walrus with the incredible Veronica Blacklace. I run my own male burlesque and circus show in the West End, Burly Boys, and am bringing a version of that down here at The Walrus as a brunch every Saturday, which should kick off soon. I’m also trying to bring the club night DILF down which will be great fun. That should hopefully be at Revenge later this year.”

I’ll just pick myself up off the floor at the idea of Revenge having a gay night in the near future and as we’re mostly accessing acts online. You’ve quite a fan base and perhaps from a particular demographic in our widening LGBTQ+ communities. Where do you feel you fit?

“I don't know to be honest! I'm a bit of a lone wolf and just live in my own head (which is pretty empty). I guess I appeal to Bears as I am (a little) one, and I loved performing at Brighton Bear Weekend. I do appeal to a wide range though, one of my best audiences are stag dos –they’re there to have fun but never cross the barrier, I enjoy playing with them. I'd say 80% of my audience is straight, which is interesting, but then spaghetti is straight until you get it wet.”

Well you’ll certainly be playing to a straight audience in Revenge (winks). What would be your dream cabaret gig be?

“Ooooo... I guess for me it would be playing Carnegie Hall with a small acoustic band, just telling stories and singing blues songs. My favourite album is Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall so I just want to copy that. But I'd also like to be with friends, I have so many talented pals in Brighton who I admire and am lucky enough to perform with regularly, such as Dolly Rocket, Cherry Shakewell, Joe Black, Alfie Ordinary and Lydia L'Scabies, so that would be fun. Actually I think I've just described a normal Saturday night at Proud Cabaret.”

Then we look forward to the post-lockdown reopening of all our venues: Dave The Bear and Big Hairy Growler we salute you. “Peace and Furry kisses to all!”