The Show People Podcast with Andrew Keates
& JP McCue aka Mary Mac

Thursday 7 August 2025 | Two Brewers, Clapham

After launching with Stephen Fry, The Show People Podcast continued its sold-out live run at The Two Brewers with an evening of sequins, satire, and Scottish sass, courtesy of drag royalty JP McCue — better known as Mary Mac.

Hosted by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director Andrew Keates, the conversation traced Mary’s journey from a childhood in Glasgow through training at GAMTA, early survival jobs, and her first steps on the cabaret circuit, to becoming one of the UK’s most beloved drag performers.

The audience were treated to candid reflections on life behind the lashes — from balancing drag with musical theatre in La Cage aux Folles and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, to stories of cruise-ship residencies, panto writing, and sharing the stage with drag icons like Bianca Del Rio. Mary also spoke with warmth and wit about the future of drag, the importance of queer spaces, and the resilience it takes to keep performing in an ever-shifting industry.

In a heartfelt section, Mary discussed coming out in 1990s Glasgow, the support of family, and how drag became both a creative outlet and a survival tool. Laced with humour and honesty, her reflections underscored the cultural importance of queer storytelling and the transformative power of cabaret.

The event brimmed with laughter, song, and sharp one-liners, embodying the joy of queer performance while offering deep insights into the craft. As with every episode, all profits supported Queer Theatre’s mission to tell LGBTQ+ stories and nurture queer talent, making the night both a glittering celebration and a vital contribution to community.

Photography by Boyan Georgiev. Videography by JW Productions.