Chris Dennis, known to audiences worldwide as the drag queen La Voix, has had an extraordinary career. From performing on over 130 cruises to competing on RuPaul's Drag Race and Strictly Come Dancing, he is now set to make his musical theatre debut as Miss Hannigan in Annie.
Early Beginnings and Influences
Dennis's first drag performance was at a primary school talent show, where he impersonated Karen Carpenter. 'I had denim hotpants and a gold lamé blouse,' he recalls. 'Karen Carpenter would be mortified.' That experience sparked a lifelong passion for entertaining. Growing up in Stockton-on-Tees, he drew inspiration from comedians like Ken Dodd and drag icons such as Dame Edna Everage and Lily Savage.
A Career at Sea and on Stage
La Voix became a staple on cruise ships, performing for diverse audiences. 'I've done swingers cruises, gay cruises, lesbian cruises, naturist cruises – you name it,' Dennis says. He also worked at London's Madame JoJo's, honing his craft alongside seasoned drag queens. His big break came with television appearances, including a memorable stint on Strictly, where he danced a paso doble with professional Aljaž Škorjanec.
Musical Theatre Debut
Landing the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie is a full-circle moment for Dennis. As a teenager, he trained at the National Youth Theatre in the very studio where rehearsals now take place. The role holds special significance because Lily Savage played Miss Hannigan in 1998, the year Dennis moved to London. 'I used to pass the theatre on the bus and see her picture,' he says.
Balancing Fame and Nerves
Despite his success, Dennis admits to feeling pressure. 'People expect your confidence to rise, but it doesn't,' he confesses. 'There's still a part of me that feels like a little boy inside.' He credits his alter ego, La Voix, for carrying him through challenging moments. 'I'm not sure if I can do this, but she'll get me through,' he says.
Future Ambitions
Dennis hopes to follow in the footsteps of drag legends like Dame Edna and Lily Savage. 'I'm a big believer in light entertainment,' he states. 'I want to see how far she can go.' For now, he is focused on Annie, but he also harbors dreams of taking on serious acting roles as himself.
