What’s the story behind your stage name?

I decided to shorten my Belgian name, Laurence Vander Haeghen to Laurie Hagen, when I moved to London to study musical comedy at age 16.

How did you get into singing?

After having made an appearance as a plate and also as a napkin in Beauty & the Beast in the West End, I realized that this regimented environment of dancing and singing cutlery wasn’t really my cup of tea. So I had a go at the vibrant worlds of cabaret and burlesque in Soho, this Red Light District overflowing with drag, gay and glamorous creatures. There I felt free to create my own persona, to sing my own songs and to improvise with the audience.

What sort of woman are you when you’re at the Crazy Horse?

On stage I become a true larger-than-life show-woman! I feel empowered and have a whale of a time! I wish I were more like that in everyday life, as I’m actually rather shy. I’m also extremely proud and protective of the Crazy Girls!

What makes you passionate about your work?

The connection I have with the spectators. Each evening the audience is different, a mix of unique personalities. Even though the steps and words are the same, the experience is different every time. Never a dull moment!

Day to day, what makes you vibrate when you come to the Crazy Horse?

Ever since the first day I came to the cosy Crazy, I felt at peace. That’s not surprising, since this little jewel in the heart of Paris is a former wine cellar. Cheers! I love winding my way through the secret-filled hallways that have seen so many artists walk through them and heard the sounds of champagne bottles going “pop!”, as well as the Crazy Girls’ bursts of laughter.

How would you define femininity? Is a Crazy Girl a woman like any other?

Blimey! It’s impossible to define femininity! Because it’s constantly changing, unpredictable and knows no limits… The Crazy Girls are like beings out of a dream who only come to life on the Crazy Horse stage. They’re too good to be true, n’est-ce pas?

For seventy years and counting, what makes the Crazy Horse such a magical place?

The devil is in the details. Each department is “on point” and works with confidence and passion. I’m a huge fan of show and film and they both blend marvelously well with the Crazy. The ultimate cabaret recipe!