Who is Tash York?
I am a cabaret performer who does drag, improvises songs, MC’s shows and has a huge love of good times with wine! I travel Australia and sometimes the world bringing my very own brand of chaos to stages with the intention of always relating to my audiences with hilarious songs and stories. I’m also a mentor for other cabaret and drag performers helping them with dramaturgy, publicity and marketing.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I mean it depends… Does cabaret not exist anymore? I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be in my life, but if I ever had to give it up for whatever reason I think I would love to get into graphic or interior design.
Who inspires you and why?
My grandparents are my constant inspiration, they came to Australia from Mauritius when they were 20 and 21 and made an entire life in a brand new country. They’ve worked so hard to make sure that all of our family had a better chance of getting to live the lives we wanted to live. And I’m glad that my Mum took that in her stride and passed that onto me as well. I guess that’s why I always like to dream big and work hard for it.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Get rid of gatekeeping! The longer I’ve lived, the more I’ve realised that if we all share and pump each other up that it ends up benefiting everyone. Whether it’s sharing opportunities, or knowledge and mostly importantly Tax the Rich appropriately!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Mauritius! I had the fabulous opportunity to visit with my family in 2018 and it was so amazing. Because my grandparents and Mum were born there it was amazing to see special places from stories I’d heard growing up and of course the FOOD. YUM!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Depends what they’re after – but I usually try to take them to the great ocean road if we have a car or if we’re having a more party time then I take them to Fitzroy and show them all the fabulous drag bars and try to take them to some friends shows!
What are you currently reading?
I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD so I have been reading the fabulous Matilda Boseley’s book, The Year I Met My Brain, after seeing them on Q&A.
What are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to a lot of Ari Lennox lately. I like the mixture of soul and R&B and her voice is divine.
Happiness is?
28 degrees, sunshine, a good glass of wine, somewhere by the water with good people (also if my cats could be there that would be fabulous)!
What does the future hold for you?
I hope more original music, maybe even recording an album. I’m having the best time working with David Butler co-composing songs for my new show Love that for you! and I hope we get to do it more and more.
Tash presents her new show, Love that for you! at Chapel Off Chapel, as part of the Midsumma Festival, 9 – 10 February; before playing The Kingfisher at Gluttony, as part of the Adelaide Fringe, 27 February – 3 March 2024.
Image: Tash York – photo by Mark Gambino