Michael Marouli may have placed second in the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK but proved that a positive mental attitude also makes you a winner. Ending the competition with three challenge wins, and going on to dominate the second half of the show.
However, since the final, Michael has already gone on to success after the announcement of the Angels of the North UK tour 2024 with fellow finalists Tomara Thomas and season winner Ginger Johnson. Shortly after the news, all dates sold out, with additional dates added to meet demand. Without a doubt, these top three queens captured the hearts of drag fans globally, with the tour heading to Australia this April. Something Michael exclaims as a dream come true, I caught up with this busy queen who’s currently in panto and can be seen performing in the upcoming production of Dick Whittington!
You started your drag journey at the age of 22. Who inspired you to get into drag and develop the queen you are today?
Michael Marolui: I’ve always been inspired by pop culture, video games, music, and fierce feminine energy. I worked with many old-school drag performers and blended the two worlds to create MM!
Much of your drag career is based in Gran Canaria; what made you go to that specific part of the Canary Islands? Do you plan on returning there for future performances?
Michael Marolui: I went to Gran Canaria on holiday and was blown away by how big the drag scene was and how it was a full-time, seven-nights-a-week performance. It was the best training ground a queen could have you literally have to be able to do everything. Lip sync, sing, host, do comedy, and choreography. Their pride event is one of the biggest and best, so I’ll definitely be back performing on the main stage!
Let’s briefly talk about Drag Race. First, congratulations on placing second. Not only did you maintain a positive outlook on your journey, but you were also helpful and optimistic towards your sisters. How do you stay positive, and what advice would you give to others trying to cultivate a similar mindset?
Michael Marolui: I always try to see the positive in every situation. I think it comes with age, but I like to live in the present and fully embrace what’s happening at that moment in time. That’s what I would say to future queens: really enjoy it because it goes by so quickly. Don’t overthink; just stay as present as you can. Drag Race was such a dream of mine, and I never for a second took it for granted. I was so grateful to be there and wanted to soak up the experience as much as possible.
The top three finalists of the season are to embark on the Angels of the North tour next year. It’s been greatly received, and extra dates have been added to fulfil demand. What was your reaction to the positive fan response to the show announcement, and what can fans expect on the tour?
Michael Marolui: I’m BLOWN AWAY by the response to the Angels Tour. It’s a dream come true! The fact that I get to do this with two of my favourite people in the world makes it even better. We’re going to put on one hell of a show; it’s going to have everything you could possibly want from three crazy northeastern queens. We’re going to bring all of our individual performance styles together and create something amazing. I’m so excited for everyone to see it.
You mentioned on the show that you kept a journal in which you wrote every night. You wrote about Ginger, Tomara, and yourself following the Disasterclass Challenge. Because the three of you were known for having a good time and enjoying yourself, do you think this challenge brought you closer together? Also, being from the north, do you think this was a bonus?
Michael Marolui: The disaterclass was a massive turning point. I knew that the three of us had something magical, and it was just soooo easy working together. We bonded immediately, the angels of the north! We wrote our script in about ten minutes and improvised so well together. We had such a laugh, and it’s something so special that I’ll treasure forever. We’re going to bring so much more of it to the tour! All the bits that didn’t make it to the final edit. Get ready!
Next year looks set to be surreal for you all, with the tour making a stop in Australia. How does it feel to be performing around the world, and where would you love to perform next?
Michael Marolui: Talk about a dream come true! It’s so surreal to think that this is all happening. We would love to travel around the world and visit as many places as possible. The US would be incredible. The angels go global!
If the tour wasn’t huge enough, the three of you have been appointed as Mac Viva Glam Girls. There have been so many opportunities that have come your way; what would be the next dream to tick off?
Michael Marolui: The MAC experience was a total pinch-me moment. How amazing?! We want to do it all—brand deals, TV, movies, the lot! We’re all big dreamers and extremely hard workers, and we have something special together. So watch out, world! Here we come!
December means one thing in the UK: Panto season! You’re currently appearing in Tuck Shop’s Sleeping Beauty as the fairy alongside a jam-packed cast. Did you go to many pantomimes growing up, and for you, who is the ultimate panto icon?
Michael Marouli: I was obsessed with Panto when I was younger; it was the highlight of the year! I still try and go every year; it’s such a British tradition. I love Julian Clary; I’ve seen him perform at the Palladium Panto several times. What a comedy and queer icon, appearing in Sleeping Beauty on the West End was the most incredible experience. I had the time of my life. I’m appearing in Dick Whittington with Katie Price as well, which is going to be amazing.
January will see you appear at RuPaul’s Drag Con UK. What other exciting plans do you have for 2024, and what goals do you want to achieve now that you have this huge platform to work with?
Michael Marolui: I’m a workhorse, and having this incredible platform is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. The opportunities have been amazing, and I’ll be forever grateful for getting to do what I love. The sky is the limit, so bring on 2024!
Follow Michael Marouli: Instagram I Twitter
