Exclusive with Rob Madge
Rob, welcome to Spill the Tea darling! How are you doing?
Why, thank you. I’m doing well. Currently rewatching Desperate Housewives for the thousandth time so life is good.
Now, before we get into your fabulous show. When did you realise or become aware that you were queer?
When somebody else told me I was. Up until then, everything seemed pretty normal. It’s only when you’re TOLD you’re different that you take a step back and assess exactly what it is that separates you from the majority. I suppose it was my fascination with Whitney Houston’s version of Cinderella.
Who were your queer icons growing up?
I adored the Disney villainesses. Of course, they’re not specifically queer, but there was something about these powerful, larger than life, flamboyant characters that are ostracised (Ursula), not invited to parties (Maleficent) or determined to off their stepdaughter because she’s prettier than her that I found to be inherently camp. What’s more queer than a powerful, belting queen that’s isolated from a heteronormative realm of princes and princesses? And if we’re talking literal queer icons, Julian Clary. He was always in the pantos I would go to as a kid. Although most of the innuendos swept over my head, there was something undeniably mesmerising seeing someone wear the most fabulous, sparkling costumes and getting laughs at the same time. That’s what I wanted. I was lucky enough to work with Julian this past Christmas in panto at the Palladium and I made sure to tell him he was to blame for everything.
Have they changed or are they still the same today?
Well, there weren’t many mainstream queer icons available in the noughties, especially if you lived in the sticks of the Midlands. We’re in a world now where I get to be inspired daily by queer work. I look up to Jamie Windust a lot - their book In Their Shoes was a real awakening for my own non-binary discovery.
Moving onto your critically acclaimed production, My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?), tell us what audience members can expect from the show.
When I was 12, I turned my house into Disneyland. My parents filmed it all. I did a parade in the hall for my Grandma. I played Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse, Belle, Ariel, the list goes on. Unfortunately, there were technical difficulties. So, now that I’m 26 with a bit of training under my belt, the only logical thing to do is recreate this parade, live and in person. In order to make sure it doesn’t go wrong again; I’m going to look through the many home videos of my living room performances. Along the way, you’ll discover what it takes to put on a show in your living room but also what it takes to support your child. Ideally, you’ll laugh a lot and see how joyful it can be if you support those that might be a little bit different, or ‘queer’.
Over the past 2 years the show sold out its previous theatre runs and its run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. How does it feel for people to love the show?
AWFUL. I WISH THEY’D HATE IT. No, of course, I’m thrilled. And relieved. I’m always overwhelmed by the support. I don’t take any of it for granted.
What do you love the most about performing in the West End?
On the most basic level, being in the heart of Theatreland whilst performing a show that celebrates theatre feels very special.
When not starring in your own show, what is your go-to production (even if it isn’t currently there)?
Mary Poppins. I would make return visits. It’s such a special show to me as it was my debut, back in 2005. I think it’s magical and I wasn’t ready for her to fly off this year.
Shout-out time! What queer performer deserves a shout from you and why? - This can be a queer artist doing their thing or a drag King, Queen or anything in between!
Myra DuBois. The most brilliant queen who has me aching with laughter every time I see her. I can only aspire to her level of wit.
‘My Son's a Queer, (But what can you do?)’ is on at the Ambassadors Theatre from Wednesday the 25th of January to Saturday 18th of March 2023. Click here to grab your tickets.