A Tina Turner turned tea lady impersonator is hoping to make it through to the final of an illustrious comedy competition, which has seen the likes of Eddie Izzard, Alan Davies, Matt Lucas and Russell Brand competing in the past.

Hackney Gazette: Tracey CollinsTracey Collins (Image: Archant)

Tracey Collins will be performing her Tina T’urner parody act at the Rich Mix this Monday, for the New Act of the Year auditions.

The competition is now in its 31st year, and showcases the best emerging talent in the comedy world, from musical, sketch, poetry and novelty to stand-up.

Ms Collins is hopeful, having already come third in the Musical Comedy Awards and making it through to the semi-finals of the Funny Women Awards this year.

“I love the idea of a massive international diva giving it all up to become a tea lady and being obsessed with tea and the love of her life, but being quite lonely,” said Ms Collins, who lives in Valentine Road, Homerton.

“I don’t impersonate her as she is, it’s a grotesque heightened animated character I’ve created.

“It just works, singing Tina Turner lyrics about tea and biscuits, and things like that,” added the 33-year old.

“I can just do her voice vocally, I guess because I’m a singer and I find it easy to put on different voices.”

Ms Collins also impersonates other singers like Michael Jackson and has created a “Fat Cher” persona.

Over 100 acts will audition over the course of six weeks, but only 12 can make it through to the final, which will be hosted by “Grumpy Old Man” Arthur Smith in the Bloomsbury Theatre.

Ms Collins perform at the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road on Monday November 18 at 7pm.

Further free-to-watch audition nights take place on Tuesday November 26 and Monday December 2.

The final takes place at the Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street on Sunday January 27.

Tickets cost £12.50 or £10 for concessions. Call 020 020 3108 1000 or see www.thebloomsbury.com.