Mario, Queen of the Circus.
Camera IconMario, Queen of the Circus. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell

La Soiree returns to party at Fringe World 2016

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

THE scene is set for the biggest Fringe World Festival yet and La Soiree has rejoined the party after last year’s sell-out Perth debut season.

The cabaret show comes direct from 12 weeks in London with memorable strong men The English Gents and contortionist Captain Frodo, alongside new faces including juggler Mario, Queen of the Circus, aerial artist Yammel Rodriguez and singer Miss Frisky (half of Fringe favourites Frisky and Mannish).

Mario, Queen of the Circus, aka Clarke McFarlane from New York, is a talented, leather-clad reincarnation of Freddie Mercury who is a big fan of the late singer and performs his act to the hits of Queen.

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Last in Perth for the Fremantle Buskers Festival, McFarlane created the alter-ego for off-Broadway show Planet Banana with his wife, but took Mario solo in 2005 following their divorce.

McFarlane first performed in La Soiree almost nine years ago and has since been honoured with approval from Queen lead guitarist Brian May.

“He got wind when we were on London’s West End there was something to do with Queen in it,” McFarlane said.

“I met his lawyers first, who came to the show, and then he turned up, January 2, 2009 the first time and then this year he came to our press night.

“The first time I was super nervous and didn’t know how he was going to react; afraid he was going to stand up and cancel the show.

“I don’t think I’m making fun of it but at the same time, there is a bit of silliness to the way I use the music.”

Community Newspaper Group has three La Soiree VIP experiences to giveaway, each including two ringside tickets and an overnight stay at Hotel Ibis on Friday 12 February. Enter here by February 8 and also view our La Soiree photo gallery.

THE ESSENTIALS

What: La Soiree

Where: La Soiree Spiegeltent, WA Museum Gardens

When: until March 6

Tickets: www.fringeworld.com.au