RETURN OF THE MAC

After two decades as a drag virtuoso in her native Australia, distinguished showgirl Mitzi Macintosh packed up her life and hit our shores in 2010.
The Tasmanian devil of lip-syncing chats to Jason Reid this week…

What made you start afresh in the UK, Mitzi?

Well, my husband and I met when he was holidaying in Australia, in 1998 – he’s Welsh. After a while, distance became difficult and he suggested moving to the UK to spend more time with family. I’d been doing drag for over twenty years and thought it was a good chance to have a break, so in 2010 we packed our life into a ship crate, including some drag ‘just in case’, and headed off into the wild grey yonder.

That must have been daunting?

Yes, but the transition was easier personally than professionally. At first I was confused why these ghostly, white blobs whipped off their tops when it was twelve degrees, then after I’d been through the seasons I was equally excited when the temperature started to increase.

What were your first impressions of the London drag scene?

At first glance it was the polar opposite of what I’d always been used to. Here it’s very ‘vaudeville’ and steeped in history. It’s also, mostly, a solo career with one costume, lots of chatter and sing-a-long songs, whereas I’m used to mime productions with a heap of costume changes and little chat. It shocked the shit out of me when they all started singing.

How did you go about making yourself known?

Firstly I auditioned for Trannyshack, which went well, as Dusty O asked if I’d join the team. Knowing no-one knew me I also decided that Drag Idol would be a good way to introduce myself to the London scene. Drag Idol was a steep learning curve about what a ‘cabaret’ performer is in Britain. I just hoped my ‘craft’ would stand up…

And did it?

Yes. From my first performance people seemed to like what I did, but I’ve always been someone that likes to do lots of different routines, and I was still unsure of what a London crowd wanted to see, so I tried different things during the competition to varied success.

Were you secretly a bit gutted you didn’t win?

Not so secretly. I’ve always been an over achiever. At one point I was going to follow La Voix home and take her out ‘Misery’ style [laughs] just kidding. She is an amazing performer and deserved to win. I was pleased to come runner up to such a talent.

How did the success in the competition affect your career?

It was a great way to allow me to perform in different venues and meet managers who may employ you in the future. And also to meet other performers, and let people see what you do. I’ve found some wonderful lip-syncing sisters like Titti La Camp and Nicky Vixen.

What advice would you give to anyone entering this year’s competition?

Get out and perform wherever you can in the lead up to the competition. Find your style and stick with what works for you. Perfect one routine and use it all the way through and, most importantly, have fun.

What’s the secret formula, if there is one, to being a proficient lip syncer?

There’s a physicality to every voice you mime. If the voice is high and light or low and booming then your body needs to reflect that quality. When you hear a song you should also be able to see how it would be costumed and performed to match its style.

You make all your costumes yourself and they’re truly magnificent! How did you become a costume designer?

Why, thank you. My father taught me to sew and I also did a three month sewing course when I was nineteen. Then, Caroline Clark, an amazing seamstress, performer and great friend took me under her wing when I moved to Sydney. I’m also inspired greatly by the designs of Bob Mackie.

What’s the plan for this year?

I’m very excited to be returning to Australia to perform as part of the Mardi Gras celebrations, as well as a few other appearances. When I get back to London I’d love to do some production shows. It’s a very different scene but if the opportunity came up I think it’d be brilliant.

MITZI’S QUICKIES

The proudest moment of your career so far is…
Performing at Mardi Gras 2010 for 6,000 of my closest friends.

The one day in your life you’d like to relive would be…
My wedding.

Your drag idol is…
Jackie Beat.

Your favourite fellow Ozzie is…
Hugh Jackman.

Your biggest bugbear is…
Bad dressing rooms.

The one movie you never tire of watching is…
Auntie Mame.

Your biggest fear is…
Going on stage unprepared.

• Don’t miss Mitzi at The Black Cap (171 Camden High Street, NW1 7JY) on Friday 8th February and also at the ‘Down & Out & Dateless’ fundraiser at the George and Dragon, 2 Blackheath Hill, SE10 8DE on Thursday 14th February. 

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