10 Questions with Limerick drag queen Elle Uminati

Limerick and Clare’s own drag queen Elle Uminati, moved from Newcastle in the North East of the UK to Ireland in 2019. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Drag queen Elle Uminati answers 10 questions about their inspiration, their career, and hopes for the future

Limerick and Clare’s own beacon of drag, Elle Uminati, moved from Newcastle in the North East of the UK to Ireland in 2019 and has spent the past six years inspiring audiences with her unique blend of glamour, warmth, and wit. Known for her stunning costuming and kind spirit, Elle has become a cherished fixture in the Irish drag community.

Her performances are more than entertainment – they’re a celebration of authenticity, visibility, and queer joy. Elle uses her platform to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ people, especially in rural Ireland, proving that pride and power can thrive anywhere.

A staple queen in the thriving Limerick drag scene, Elle Uminati continues to illuminate stages across Ireland with her signature mix of beauty, humour, and heart.

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1. What first drew you to drag? Do you remember the moment you realised it was something you had to do?

I’ve always been interested in fashion, makeup, and hair, and I loved dressing up as a kid, so drag is the perfect combination of all those passions. I was fortunate to come from a supportive family who encouraged me to follow whatever I wanted to do. I remember being about five or six, watching Dame Edna on TV with my mum, and being fascinated by her wit and extravagance. In that moment, I knew I was going to be a drag queen!

2. How was it growing up in Newcastle, and how did you decide to move to Ireland?

I grew up in a very rural village outside of Newcastle with only around 2500 people. I was ‘the only gay in the village’ for a very long time and often felt like I didn’t belong where I was. I then moved to Newcastle as soon as I could at 18, and everything seemed to just click for me – I met lots of people like me, made LGBTQ+ friends for the first time, and was exposed to a huge drag scene. After 3 years of living in the city, I felt I had done as much as I could there, and an opportunity came up for a job in Ireland, and I just thought ‘why not?’! I flew over for the first time to go to a job interview and just fell in love with the place.

3. How has that journey influenced and shaped your drag identity?

I think in some ways I wouldn’t be the Drag Queen I am right now unless I had moved to Ireland. Because I was the outsider and moved without friends or family, I really had to be brave and try and pave my own path – always easier said than done! I was lucky to get involved with Limerick LGBTQ+ Pride and get my first drag gig in Limerick just before the Covid-19 pandemic, but continued to work hard on my drag during the various lockdowns. I spent the lockdowns entirely by myself, and it gave me a lot of time to focus on myself and realise that drag was what I needed to do. I came out of the lockdown a bigger and better drag queen and couldn’t have done that without the support of Limerick.

4. Tell us about Elle Uminati. Is there a story behind the name?

For my drag name, I really wanted something fun and glamorous, but I also love horror films and mystery, so having a bit of a pun on the Illuminati clicked with me. Elle has developed over the years into a glamorous showgirl, and I’m known for my elaborate costuming. I love old Hollywood glamour and luxury – most of my costumes are fully embellished with rhinestones, sequins, and feathers. I’m pretty creative and make a lot of my own costumes, too. I’ve made all my outfits for the Limerick Pride parade since I moved here.

5. How has the drag scene changed over the years?

For me, the drag scene has become so varied and a better representation of the LGBTQ+ community as the years have gone by. I think a lot of people still see drag as a man in a dress, but it is so much more than that. Drag is representation, it’s an art form, it’s a platform to speak out on injustices that our communities still face. There are so many different styles of drag, and Limerick is such a great representation of what drag is. In Limerick, we have everything from glamorous showgirls to grungy, alternative drag kings and queens, and with incredible skillsets from amazing live vocals and comedy to fierce dancing and lip syncs. I think often we forget about the generation before us that paved the way, both for LGBTQ+ rights and just being able to be a drag artist. The drag scene may have changed over the years, but I think it’s so important that we don’t forget our roots or the people who made it possible for change to happen.

6. Who are your biggest influences?

I try to find inspiration from anywhere and everywhere that I can! When it comes to a costume, I could see something in a magazine or on the red carpet and then use elements for inspiration. Other times I could see a leaf or flower out and about on a walk and have a sudden brainwave for something too! I’m inspired and influenced by drag legends like Danny La Rue, Lily Savage, and obviously RuPaul who has really pushed drag into the mainstream spotlight.
Another big influence to me was my Grandma who taught me how to sew and also looked after me when I was growing up. She used to make loads of costumes and fancy dress for me when I was little, including tutus and even a Cruella De Vil costume I wore to school for world book day when I was about 10! I actually did a recreation of the outfit this year for Halloween as a homage to her as we lost her in April after some long-term health problems.

7. What has been the defining moment of your career so far?

I think my most career defining moment so far has to be hosting the EuroPride 2028 bid for the West of Ireland. I’ve done some amazing things in my drag career from supporting RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens, to being in Vogue magazine with my drag, but being able to use my drag as a platform and vessel to support the EuroPride win makes me so proud. I think rural communities and the West of Ireland are sometimes overlooked, but we have a thriving community to show and represent, and I want everyone across Ireland and Europe to see how amazing Limerick and Clare are.

8. Tell us about your creative process for a show.

For most of the shows I do, there is always a theme or message. I usually work back from the theme and think ‘what does this mean to me, and what do I want to show to the audience?’. Most of the time I will sit and reflect on what I would want to see as an audience member and then think about how that translates into my drag. Once I have an idea of my performance, I’ll then build up from there with costuming, props, and movement.

I always want to either spread joy with my drag, tell a story, or give a message and so it’s important to me that I either produce something that is fun and makes people smile or makes people feel. My biggest goal when performing in drag is to captivate.

9. What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to remain a staple in the Limerick drag scene for years to come. Limerick is where I’ve truly found myself, and I’m so proud to call it home. I want to continue building a platform that uplifts others, especially queer artists and performers in the West of Ireland, and to use my voice to champion visibility and inclusion.

Of course, I also want to keep pushing myself creatively and professionally. I believe drag is limitless, and I’m always dreaming bigger, refining my craft, and preparing for whatever the next step might be. Let’s just say I wouldn’t mind bringing a little bit of Limerick sparkle to a larger international stage one day – if the right runway ever came calling! Until then, I’ll keep working hard, entertaining, and representing this incredible community with pride.

10. What is your favourite thing about Limerick?

Without question, the people, and the spirit of Limerick itself. There’s something truly special about this city. It’s creative, inspiring, and bursting with warmth. When I first moved here, I didn’t know anyone, but Limerick opened its arms to me and gave me a sense of belonging that I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams. The friendships I’ve made, the community I’ve found, and the support I’ve received have shaped not just Elle Uminati, but me as a person.
Every performance I do here feels like a love letter to the city that believed in me and, no matter where my drag takes me, Limerick will always be where I’ve found myself.