The UK’s only ‘ladyboy’ beauty contest, Madame Mango Tree, is celebrating its tenth year. Held annually at Belgravia’s wonderful Mango Tree restaurant, the event is assisted by Tip from Soho’s top Thai emporium @Siam. She spoke to QX about this year’s ‘Safari’ themed special…
What is your involvement with the event?
It’s mainly to look out for the girls. It’s been my job for the last few years. I know them. You see, especially some of them, it’s their second or third time trying – hopefully this will be their year.
Where do you find the contestants?
Because Madame Mango Tree is successful, they’ve known of the competition for years. Since last month, they’ve been contacting me asking about it. Then I’ll hear from the Mango Tree when it is and I tell them. I’m basically the middle person to find contestants. I’m the agent. [Laughs]
Where do the contestants come from?
Thailand, Philippines, China, Malaysia. It’s international. Last time we got one from Angola. And we have Sahara this year, who is from Nigeria. And we are very proud of this. They do such a good job in this competition that they go on to do other competitions, even the biggest transgender competition in the world in Thailand. Most of the contestants that enter Madame Mango Tree will go there. Sahara got the first runner up two years ago. We’re very proud of that. It’s not just a contest, it’s a serious contest.
I know, I remember the outfits from past events. They must plan them for weeks…
Oh my god, yes. And you should see what it’s like backstage. In fact you’d probably rather not.
What’s the atmosphere like?
Crazy! Meow! One day before the competition the girls are like, ‘Oh, we love you, we’re friends’ then on the night it’s ‘Meow’. Not in a bad way though, they’re just passionate.
How do you choose a contestant?
Lots of things, but if they are a new contestant it gives them a better chance. I like new and fresh, it’s good for Mango Tree. But lots of girls want to enter, even previous winners ask if they can enter again.
Do you let the previous winners try again?
I’m afraid not, but, of course, we ask them to come as a VIP, and this year we want all of the nine previous formal winners to be there.
What are the categories?
There are three rounds. The first is a jungle, safari theme. The second is swimwear – the highlight for Madame Mango Tree. The bodies are amazing. And, of course, the final round is the evening gown and it’s very glamorous and some of the dresses cost hundreds and hundreds of pounds.
What do you look for in the winner?
A great personality. People always say they pick the beautiful one and I say ‘No, it doesn’t work like that’. We happen to know them before the contest, we have two meetings with each one and we know them, their personality and their character. Of course, it’s beauty as well, and the body. It’s everything really. But you can’t be just beauty with no brain.
What’s the average age of the contestants?
I think the youngest has been seventeen, two years ago, and this year she’s going to join us again. We’ve even had someone over 50, too. Her name was Miss Sara, four or five years ago. She came from Bangkok just for the contest, and she got to the final six.
What tips do you have for contestants?
Other than being yourself… the make-up, don’t overdo it. Some of the girls just put on too much. A natural look is good, and remember to smile. It’s not a model contest, it’s a beauty contest so I keep shouting at them to smile. Show your personality to the four judges, make eye contact, don’t forget those important four people in front of you can see your beauty, and your beauty within.
• Madame Mango Tree ‘Ladyboy Safari’ is on Sunday 15th September. Advance tickets £17, £20 on the door. More details at www.mangotree.org.uk
