06/08/13: The wee Glas-gee lassie with the big voice is the latest addition to the ever expanding drag family at the Soho bar that is putting cabaret at the forefront of it’s agenda. Mary Mac’s Tuneful Tartan Tuesdays (try saying that with a mouthful of haggis) is a feel-good show – billed as ‘Soho’s first interactive cabaret night’ – where jollity and inebriation flows freely. Two things us lushes at QX are very partial to.
As well as showing us how vocally supple she is, Mary also opens up the stage to any brave punters that fancy showing off their wares on the microphone, or if you’re feeling all ‘Sonny and Cher’ then you can even duet with Madam Mac, herself.
On our visit last Tuesday we witnessed a very sweet, kooky regular, going by the name of Dave Elvis, who was eager to shake us all up with his tribute to ‘The King’. There was even the distinctive hip-shaking! Mary was on fire, looking immaculate, draped in gold tartan, as she welcomed new audience members to the fold before cleverly extracting information, to use, from them. Don’t be fooled by that sweet smile and dainty swagger.
She spanned the musical genres like the classically trained pro that she is – excelling, of course, in her beloved musical theatre. Our highlight of the night was seeing everyone singing along to THAT Proclaimers song, in unison. Though she may be young in age, Mary is a mature performer who has clearly benefited from working alongside older artists. This is reflected in her performance style and offstage manner.
Expect the unexpected from one of the best voices on the circuit because Mary’s Tuneful Tartan Tuesday’s are wonderfully bonkers. Before we dashed off we collared the gorgeous manager, Oliver, for a chinwag. Whetting our appetite, he told us that there’s another new weekly cabaret event coming to the Dunky very soon. Oh Oliver, with these drag queens you are spoiling us. You heard it here first…
Admiral Duncan, 54 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4UB
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Chris Jepson
