Canadian theatre and cabaret star Ryan Graham Hinds lands at Crazy Coqs for a fabulous UK debut, sharing what prompted a move to a new country and a new life in London, with music from Kander & Ebb, Grace Jones, Leonard Cohen, The Weeknd, Jacques Brel, Olivia Newton-John, and more.
How does making your UK debut at The Crazy Coqs mark a new chapter in a career already shaped by major stages, cabaret residencies, and world-pride audiences?
A new city means new experiences and influences! Since moving here in July, I’ve been to Nottingham Hill Carnival, London International Film Festival, the Black British Theatre Awards, concerts at Wembley, Soho parties, community art in Hounslow, and so much inspiring theatre/cabaret. Now I wish I’d moved earlier! I’ve also found community at Queer Theatre, Andrew Keates’ incredible company in Clapham. He’s such an insightful director, and has built a network of theatre training and socialization that truly feels like “home”. Being around wonderful LGBTQ artists and the material we explore has helped for a softer landing as I begin my artist journey here.
What shift—personal or artistic—inspired your decision to leave Canada and “land in London” now?
I’m a believer of “evolve or die”. I’d achieved many of my artistic goals in Toronto and New York; after the world changed between 2020-2025 I wanted to challenge myself and see what else was possible! The loss of my beloved Mother along with other dear ones also meant I wasn’t anchored to Toronto anymore. Shortly before she died, we talked about me possibly moving to London. She thought it was a good idea, so I’m happy to have her encouragement to chase a new horizon. It gave me the courage to jump!
How do the lessons you absorbed from mentors like Chita Rivera and Eartha Kitt continue to guide your work onstage?
The subtle ways my body responds to music, my attraction to darker material, how I bite into a lyric and hold my notes, are all deeply influenced by Chita. She was so generous with passing on her knowledge and experiences, helping me reach higher for my goals and bring myself to the work. I’m a better artist and person for having her belief in me.
Eartha was intense, pushing me without sentimentality. I mentioned singing “Can’t Help Loving That Man of Mine”, and she growled “the name of the song is ‘Can’t Help LOVIN’ DAT Man of Mine’. It is about a particular experience sung by a particular kind of person. If you cannot say the lyrics the way the songwriters wrote them, perhaps it is not the song for you.”
What did becoming the first Black actor to play Hedwig teach you about identity, ownership, and reinvention in performance?
I’m forever grateful to Nomi and Tama Lang for casting me and breaking the mould of what that character looks like and who she could be. Playing Hedwig as having had a black American military dad supported her inherent duality: male vs female, American vs German, fury vs softness, and now black vs white. It went from just a role I was playing to a reflection of identity that could resonate in a new way for others. To me, theatre is dead without reinvention! Especially when the reinvention strongly supports what the piece is about.
What through-line connects the artists you interpret—from Kander & Ebb to Grace Jones to The Weeknd—and how do they help you tell your own story?
I love singing songs that feel true to who I am. Kander & Ebb’s brilliance at writing musically exciting and lyrically specific songs that make you lean in and listen has trained me to find that quality in other songs. For example, Grace Jones is known for her outrageous couture, but her music is criminally underrated for its sensuality and crystal-clear storytelling. The Weeknd’s music is similar; he catches feelings of anxiety and longing beautifully. All these artists are gifts for any singer trying to express who they are.
What do you hope London audiences understand about you after 74 minutes at The Crazy Coqs?
I hope London audiences see someone who can give them a stellar time with fun and theatrics along the way, someone who is eager to join in and contribute to what makes the cultural scene in London so vital and alluring, and someone with talented collaborators who prove Canadians are always worth having at the party!