Frenchie Darling is a Brisbane-based, high-kicking, high-brow, saucy dame. She's pizzazz, she's glamour, she's sultry yet oh so sweet.
Ahead of her appearance at Valley Fiesta's Nightmare On Brunswick Street with Asphyxia, Lilith Revere, Dahlia Gunn, Madeline Glasseaster and David Carberry at Netherworld, Frenchie sits down for a chat.Who is... Frenchie Darling, affectionately called 'The Deadly Sin', is a burlesque, sideshow and MC performer from Meanjin/ Brisbane.
Frenchie's been on the scene since 2016 and has been high-kicking her way into the hearts of those around her. She wears sharp wit, doe eyes and a fire in her belly.
Frenchie is the kind of goddess that entrances you across the stage, moving with grace both delicate and strong. Hand her a microphone however, and she will transform into what can only be described as a sexy, gorgeous fool.
My first gig as a soloist was... At Sunday Night Burlesque at The Press Club in 2018.
When did you settle on your name? I settled on Frenchie Darling a few months prior to my solo performer debut. Frenchie has been my nickname ever since I was little because I liked 'fancy things'.
Whenever I'd see something I thought was fancy, I'd say "ooh la la!" (cute, right?). Darling was the obvious choice because, well, I'm an absolute darling.
In the rehearsal studio I usually... Roll around on the floor trying to create an act I desire.
If I could tour with anyone, it would be... Cher. Always Cher.
My favourite app at the moment is... I hate to say it, but it's TikTok. I particularly enjoy an account by the name of @biscuit.superdog – it's just lots of closeup videos of a dog wearing Crocs and other various footwear.
@biscuit.superdog Flexin' ##fyp ##crocs ##dogcrocs ##dachshund
♬ original sound - HBIC-StormyLee
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... That I did a backwards roll during an act, and during the process my hoo-ha managed to escape my g-string. I just see it as the crowd getting more bang for their buck. You're welcome, patrons!
Life on the road can be... Sweaty, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. I love sharing my passion with the world around me.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Champagne, baby! Please.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of you and your brand? Christopher Walken. I just think it would be hilarious.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Paris. I'm shockingly addicted to pastry and cheese, and they have a tonne of it.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? 1: The late Satan's Angel (burlesque legend who performed from 1961-1985). She was so sweet and crass all at once; she'd be the go-to gal for saucy anecdotes. 2: C.W. Stoneking. He's an incredible artist and I adore his music. 3: My pop, Don. He's so sweet and funny, and I miss him always.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? My Mum's potato bake recipe. Sorry in advance if you have a lactose intolerance.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover, duh!
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Cinnamon scrolls and strawberry & lime cider.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Just last week, actually. Almost axed myself on a reformer machine, it was great.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing up. I purposely moved into the apartment I live in now because it has a dishwasher.
Do you have any phobias? Drowning. I think accidentally inhaling pool water as a child really set me up for that one.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? God yes, if it's a Japanese game show I'll be there. Particularly the one where you have to imitate a shape in a moving wall with your body.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I'm pranking my friend Lilith Revere by leaving googly eyes on everything in her house.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? A McDonalds cheeseburger after a gig brings you back to life, I'm convinced.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I don't know that there is a fictional character that best describes me. There's no one like Frenchie!
Last show you binge-watched? The 'Dr. Death' series. What an asshole.
Frenchie Darling performs at Valley Fiesta's Nightmare On Brunswick Street (with Asphyxia, Lilith Revere, Dahlia Gunn, Madeline Glasseaster and David Carberry) at Netherworld 28 October.
