Meet Mario, Queen of the Circus at La Clique

The exquisitely multifaceted performer Mario, Queen of the Circus joins cabaret variety show La Clique to celebrate the 20th anniversary season at the Opera House from 10 October to 17 November. 

In an Australian exclusive, the pansexual Queen superfan will bring an entertaining experience to audiences, incorporating his impressive juggling skills and universal sex appeal, rocking it out to the exhilarating jams of the world renowned band. Dressing to impress, Mario embodies the signature Freddie Mercury style, paying tribute to the beloved artist. 

With a long standing history with La Clique as a cast member since 2007, Mario is excited to be back performing at the Sydney Opera House. “The last time I was in a show of that nature was in 2017, so it is very exciting to be back”, said Mario as he reminisces on his time living in Sydney. 

The born showman will juggle his bag of tricks to leave an unforgettable experience, seamlessly 

transitioning between audience interaction and outstanding performances to the best of Queen’s hits. Effortlessly commanding the audience’s attention, Mario’s quirky personality captures the laughter of the crowd who can expect lots of surprises and beloved classics. 

As a variety act, the performer feels inspired by the diversity of Queen’s music. “Queen is very theatrical music, it changes from song to song, it is like the variety acts, it is a variety”, said Mario, expressing his great appreciation for the band. 

The influence of Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury is not only Mario’s style icon, he also feels empowered by the superstar’s ability to handle a stadium. “Freddie Mercury is incredibly charismatic and a great powerhouse performer on stage and that is inspiring to me,” Mario expresses. Freddie’s profound impact on music and culture became a monumental part of the performer’s interests, as the act showcases iconic songs and a theatrical performance. 

Freddie’s eccentric uniqueness inspired Mario to be his own person, to find his individuality. “In the European circuit, it is imperative to be absolutely original,” he said, sharing that one must bring something new that an audience has never encountered before to be successful. 

The power of live entertainment

As Mario said, “Live entertainment is a need for people, we need to be in synchronisation with the people around us as an audience”. Live entertainment creates a common feeling of happiness, laughter and community, bringing together like minded people who enjoy the immersive experience of a live performance. “My job as a performer is to be a conduit for that feeling to synchronise the audience, whether that’s through laughing, singing or clapping at the same time, it’s all about making everyone feel in sync,” Mario details. 

Mario’s admiration for live entertainment was founded during his time as a street performer, circling around Europe. Growing up in a household that was not familiar with the artistry of performance, Mario came out of his shell and adapted to a new way of life. Turning his artistry into a career, the variety artist knew this was his path when he met like minded people.

He expressed, “When I met people that did it for a living, I knew right away that this was my calling.” 

La Clique 

Spiegelmaestro, David Bates encourages the public to immerse themselves in this world renowned of the show. “This sexy, funny and dangerous show salute’s to two decades of the genre-defining experience that is La Clique”, being the perfect nod to the old-world charm of classic vaudeville with a contemporary twist. 

For a theatrical masterpiece, check out Mario Queen of the Circus, which has wowed audiences since 2009, including Brian May. With an incredible cast featuring fire-breather Heather Holliday and contortionist David Pereira, the show fuses his creativity with the art of live entertainment. 

A standout moment for Mario was when May attended the show and met the cast backstage, a highlight that showcases the magic of this extraordinary production. Don’t miss it!

La Clique
10 October – 17 November 2024
Studio, Sydney Opera House
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/musical-theatre-cabaret/la-clique