Michael Marouli is an International Drag Superstar who plays the Pope in a new show, Pop Off, Michelangelo! (Tickets here, tour info here.) We caught up with Michael to find out more.
How would you pitch Pop Off, Michelangelo! to fans of Horrible Histories?
Like Horrible Histories, our show takes the “boring” parts of history and makes them super fun, camp and OTT. Fans of the original Horrible Histories should now be of appropriate adult age to see our show and have a laugh!
And how would you pitch it to someone who really likes Pop music?
If you love Pop Music, you will be obsessed with our soundtrack and score! Our songs are catchy, infectious, everything you could want.
Why has the show returned to the Edinburgh Fringe?
Edinburgh Fringe is the most exciting place to perform, the show started here last year, had a facelift, an upgrade and a makeover for the London West End Run, so it’s only right that it returns in all its sparkly new glory to shine once more at the fringe, bigger and bolder than before!
Why this take on Renaissance Italy?
Why not? It’s such a rich, interesting time in history, and so iconic. Our show is a super fun look at how things might have been, whilst also having a lot of heart.
What’s your favourite moment of the show?
My favourite moment of the show is the opening number and monologue, the audience instantly knows what to expect, and they relax straight away into the fabulousness of the show. It really sets the tone, and we all get to shine!
Could the show be any more camp? If so, how?
The show could only be camper if we were to cover ourselves in glitter and fairy lights. We tick every box when it comes to camp, and we deliver it in truck loads! Pink, sparkly, diamante truck loads.
How similar is this to other projects you’ve worked on?
This takes all the elements of other projects I’ve done – high energy performance, strong commanding dialogue, comedy, heart and camp – but it’s so unique and its own beautiful beast. There isn’t another show like it, it’s the best thing to be a part of.
Where else can we see you?
You can catch me on my solo comedy tour “Mike Drop” all over the UK in December
Stage or Screen?
Both! I love to do it all.
Truth or Beauty?
Beauty never lies, and I am rather beautiful so…..lol
You can book tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe show here and learn more about future shows here.
