Drag queen superstar Tollie Parton on her new Showmax talk show

Showmax has just dropped the first trailer for Die Tollie & Manila Show, a bold and unfiltered talk show where South African celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. 

The all-star, up-for-anything guests include Helen Zille, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, actors Celeste Loots, Francois Jacobs, Frank Opperman, Jarrid Geduld, and Rob van Vuuren; television personality Soli Philander, and musicians Craig Lucas, Jack Parow, Loki Rothman, and Valiant Swart, as well as online personalities Aletta Francina de Kock and Rynhardt Schoeman - all as you’ve never seen them before.

Tollie Parton is the alter ego of famed TikTokker WynVirDiePyn, while Manila von Teez is an award-winning drag queen and former SA’s Got Talent runner-up who recently starred in the MIPAfrica Inclusive Lens winner Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. 

Premiering on Monday, 4 November 2024, Die Tollie & Manila Show is produced by POP24, the production company behind 2024 SAFTA nominees The Mommy Club and Bae Beyond Borders.

Watch the trailer for Die Tollie & Manila Show

To delve deeper, we sat down with Tollie, who generously spilled all the tea about the show, the incredible transformations, and much more.

What does hosting a talk show mean to you?

It means everything to me. Ever since I was a little boy in Vanrhynsdorp, I’d pretend to host talk shows in my room, interviewing everyone - even imagining Nelson Mandela as a guest on my silly little show. Living this childhood dream at 31 feels surreal; it truly feels like I’ve manifested my dreams into existence.

How long have you been a drag artist?

I’ve been doing drag for three years now, and it’s been a transformative journey. Recently, I started doing my own make-up, which has helped me discover Tollie from the inside out. It may sound strange, but I’ve grown less scared over time. Ironically, I never thought she was scared to begin with, but she definitely was. The longer I perform, the freer I become.

What key elements do you aim to draw out from your guests during interviews? 

Honesty - always honesty - is key in my interviews. It’s crucial to allow guests to be who they want to be. Some may prefer to be serious, while others want to be funny, and both approaches are valid. The best conversations happen when everyone in the room feels safe, and that’s what I strive to create: a space to explore some crazy topics!

Which transformation has inspired you the most? 

The transformation that inspired me the most was Helen Zille’s. Given some of her past anti-woke statements, we were all a bit apprehensive about how she would handle this opportunity. But let me tell you, everyone on set was pleasantly surprised. 

The fact that she had an engaging conversation in drag with other queens was fascinating - she was so much fun! Jack Parow was also surprisingly delightful to kiki with but honestly every guest brought something unique and special to the table.

Who do you believe should tune in to watch the show? 

The show is for people who aren’t afraid of realness, for fans of drag, and for anyone seeking a safe place to land. 

This show was such a fun experience, and I believe the audience will feel that energy, so it’s for anyone looking for some unfiltered fun!

How did you prepare yourself before each episode?

Before each episode, I focused on staying calm while doing enough research to feel comfortable playing and having fun! I reached out to friends of the guests for insider info to make the interviews feel personal. 

But the best part of drag is embracing surprises and running with them. It’s all about knowing the rules and then breaking them.

Why is it crucial to have representation on platforms like Showmax?

Representation on platforms like Showmax is crucial because, growing up, I had no one to relate to, not even the language to describe myself. Shows like this send a powerful message to outsiders: “We see you, and we celebrate you!” It can literally save a life. 

Imagine being an awkward queer person in a small town, feeling isolated... then discovering a show like this. Suddenly, your town doesn’t feel so small, and you feel less alone, all while laughing and having fun with people who feel like friends!

Why should people watch the show? 

People should watch the show because it unveils fascinating stories that have never been told before. You’ll see your favourite celebrities in a completely new light, revealing sides of them you’ve never experienced. Plus, it’s filled with fun, humour, and plenty of laughter - making for an unforgettable viewing experience.