From haunting the Scottish countryside to slaying Brooklyn drag fans, Angus Beef might just be serving the main course at Mx. Nobody this weekend. [Cover photo: MCP Photo]
Thotyssey: Angus, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! I see you just participated in a Toronto drag king festival, Thrust Fest! How did that go?
Angus Beef: Thrust Fest has been incredible. I applied when I had only been doing drag for a few months and did not expect to get in, but I’m so grateful I did. Getting to perform alongside so many incredible, diverse kings is an experience I’ll never forget.
How might you describe the sort of drag you do today?
I love the intersection of horror and camp–a little fright paired with a cheeky wink.
You describe yourself on Instagram as “NYC’s premiere (only) undead Scottish drag king!” Are you in fact a native of Scotland?
I am! I grew up in a seaside town on the east coast of Scotland, then lived in Edinburgh for years before moving to NYC.
What are the best and worst things about Scotland life?
Oh, big question, lol. Best is the scenery; it’s a beautiful country, especially up in the highlands. I’m not sure if there is a worst thing, but the weather isn’t fantastic, lol; It rains a lot.
Were you always interested in things like performance and horror that ultimately put you on this drag path?
My path to drag was a bit of a strange one, and I’m still not fully sure how I got here! I’ve been a lifelong horror fan, and have always been obsessed with Halloween and dressing up. I performed in a few horror shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival back in the day–but I never imagined I’d be able to perform professionally, let alone do drag. I started suddenly last year, and I’m so grateful that people have embraced me and supported me on this chaotic unplanned journey.
What’s your experience been like so far as a drag performer in NYC? Have you had an all time favorite on stage moment?
It’s been great, honestly. The drag king community in NYC is so supportive of one another. We know we don’t have the visibility of drag queens, so we really try to lift each other up. But a lot of queens in the city are also incredibly kind, and have really supported me as I’ve been getting started.
My favorite moment so far was honestly my first show I did as Angus Beef. Brooklyn Horror Society were screening The Descent, and I dressed as one of the crawler creatures and hid behind a speaker on stage for 45 minutes as the audience filed in so that I could pop up and surprise them when my number started (“Creep” by Radiohead, naturally). It got such a great reaction; it still makes me laugh just thinking about it.
Yaz! So you’re tossing your spooky meat into Round 2 of the Mx. Nobody pageant this weekend at C’mon Everybody! What inspired you to compete in this?
Since I’m in my first year of doing drag, I’m trying to challenge myself–to throw my hat in the ring, even if I don’t think I’m good enough. I’m saying yes to things that scare me, because I’m learning so much from these experiences. [Competition host] Nancy NoGood was also one of the first performers I discovered after moving to NYC in 2016, so being part of the Mx. Nobody Pageant feels like a full circle moment.
What else is coming up for your?
I’m doing a Sonic the Hedgehog themed show with Cringe Compilation at Bar Freda on August 17– that will be a stupid good time. I’m also speaking on a queer horror panel at FlameCon on the 15th… probably in drag just for fun.
Very exciting! Okay lastly: who is the best ever horror movie monster / killer?
Oh, it’s like choosing between children. But I adore the Cenobites from Hellraiser. They have such a strong aesthetic, and have always been rooted in queer culture. Who doesn’t love a little pain and pleasure with a side of leather?
Good point, pun intended! Thanks, Angus!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Angus Beef’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and LinkTree.
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