Chris Dennis, known to audiences worldwide as La Voix, has had a remarkable career trajectory. From performing on over 130 cruises to appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race, Strictly Come Dancing, and Eurovision, the man behind the crimson coiffure is now taking on his first musical role as Miss Hannigan in Annie.
From Stockton-on-Tees to the Stage
Growing up in Stockton-on-Tees, Dennis drew inspiration from the women around him: quick-witted, warm-hearted, and always ready with a sparkly top for a night out. La Voix embodies this spirit, blending classic show tunes with sharp quips and a family-friendly ethos. 'I wanted it to make people feel good,' Dennis says, noting that he even avoids swearing on stage, a piece of advice from David Emanuel, Princess Diana's wedding dress designer.
The Early Days
Dennis's first drag performance was at a primary school talent show, where he performed as Karen Carpenter in denim hotpants and a gold lamé blouse. 'Everyone was howling with laughter,' he recalls. 'That laughter was addictive. I thought, 'I can change the whole energy of the room.'' His parents, both nurses, were always supportive.
A Unique Path to Success
After studying drama and musical theatre, Dennis worked as a stage makeup artist, once unwittingly helping a jewellery heist by applying ageing makeup to two men involved in a £40m robbery. He later performed at Soho's Madame JoJo's, where La Voix began to develop her banter. 'I was in awe of the wit and comedy of other drag queens,' he says.
Life on the High Seas
Cruise ships became a second home for La Voix. 'I've done swingers cruises, gay cruises, lesbian cruises, naturist cruises. You name it, I've done it,' Dennis laughs. He once brought his mother on a gay cruise with 6,000 gay men, to which she exclaimed, 'I didn't even realise there were that many gay men in the world!' For Dennis, these environments were freeing: 'To experience life as a majority, not a minority.'
Panto and TV Stardom
La Voix is no stranger to pantomime, having performed with Cilla Black and Mickey Rooney. 'She was everything you want Cilla Black to be,' Dennis says of the late singer. 'She was a diva, but she left £200 behind the bar for us.' Panto, he believes, has shaped British drag: 'People grow up understanding men in dresses. It's not scary or strange.'
TV appearances on Drag Race, Strictly, and Eurovision have skyrocketed La Voix's profile, but with fame comes pressure. 'People expect your confidence to rise, but it doesn't,' Dennis admits. 'There's still a part of me that feels like a little boy inside, going, 'Oh my gosh, this is huge!'' He credits La Voix with getting him through: 'She'll have the answer. It's like a complete switch in brain and personality.'
Miss Hannigan and Beyond
Landing the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie is a full-circle moment for Dennis. At 17, he was a member of the National Youth Theatre, dreaming of a future in musicals. Now, nearly 30 years later, he's living that dream. 'I don't want to be upstaged by an eight-year-old!' he jokes. The role is particularly meaningful because it was one of Paul O'Grady's first musical roles in 1998, the year Dennis moved to London.
While Dennis hopes to eventually take on serious acting roles as himself, for now, he's focused on La Voix. 'I think there's a really big place for La Voix as the next Dame Edna or Lily Savage,' he says. 'It's almost as if it's not me. It's her, and I'm her biggest advocate.'
