Who is Mario, Queen of the Circus?
It’s ME!! It’s been me all along. Maybe you didn’t recognize me because of my moustache. This couch is amazing! Can I move this pillow? (Mario grabs the centre pillow and puts it behind his head) Seriously, I’m a variety entertainer extraordinaire and also a super-fan of the super-group Queen.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I do different stuff all the time. I’m not a “woulda-coulda-shoulda” kind of guy, but maybe, deep down, I’d rather be Mario, Queen of the Race Car Drivers. Do you mind? (Mario kicks off his black Sketchers and swings his feet up onto the couch and shoves them forcefully under my thighs) Thanks! Its been so freezing!
Who inspires you and why?
Freddie Mercury was the greatest entertainer of all time. I could never sing or write songs but I do try and entertain as best I can. His ability to reach the back row of a stadium with his presence and charisma is an inspiration to me. He was also able to reach the other rows too. Do you have a cat? (Mario sneezes three times in quick succession into his elbow)
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Who says I don’t? No, but if I had the power to, (Mario mimes taking a long drag from a cigarette) I would take the camera off our phones, everybody’s always missing out on their own lives, man! Wait, hang on, (Mario snaps a selfie and posts it).
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This couch is my new favourite holiday destination. I’m so sleepy… Holidays… yea, my job takes me all around the world, so I’m on holiday at home. Buuuuut if you ever get a chance to go to Praia Guarda do Embaú, Brazil, please take me with you.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to see La Clique at the Sydney Opera House! And then back to your place. (Mario shifts into the foetal position, his feet are now in my lap, he’s pulled something off the coffee table and is studying it.)
What are you currently reading?
This take-away menu from a… I want to say, Vietnamese place? Is this current? Are you hungry? (Mario takes his phone out and dials)
What are you currently listening to?
Some bangin’ hold music at this Vietnamese place. (Mario puts his phone on speaker, the hold music is indeed bangin’)
Happiness is?
Crispy pork belly noodles salad, and um, steam prawn dumplings and a coconut bubbles milk tea. (Mario nods in my direction, I nod back) Times 2 …Delivery. What’s the address here?
What does the future hold for you?
They’ll be here in 25 minutes do you have cash? (Mario produces an eye mask. puts it on and breathes deeply)
Mario, Queen of the Circus can be seen in the trailblazing cabaret variety show, La Clique – which will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Sydney Opera House (Studio) from 10 October – 17 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: Mario, Queen of the Circus – photo by Jo Duck