Velma Celli’s show poster for Me & My Divas on Saturday
“DARLINGS, I am in London for a bit to try and get things moving and it’s safe to say that it is depressing as F!” So wrote York drag diva divine Velma Celli to her adoring devotees on email on Saturday lunchtime.
“Anyway, I’ll plod on as long as I can. So, I am doing my show ‘Me & My Divas’ next Saturday [June 27] and I would LOVE for you to join me LIVE from LANDAN!”
Since then, Velma, the glorious cabaret creation of actor Ian Stroughair, has returned to Bishopthorpe, from where his series of online performances, streamed live from the Case De Velma Celli kitchen, will resume this weekend.
Here Charles Hutchinson has a quick catch-up with Velma in the lead-up to Saturday’s virtual date with divas galore.
“Crazy. talented and confidence to suit”: Velma Celli’s three steps to being a diva
How did it feel heading back to London from York after three months in home-town lockdown?
“It was both exciting and nerve-wracking…”
…You say you went back to London to “try and get things moving”. What can you do at this stage?
“I was hoping to network with restaurants and other smaller venues planning to open on July 4, but it was impossible, so I’m back in York for two weeks.”
How did your last online York kitchen show, Equinox, go on June 13? What did you perform with your remote guest Jodie Steel, the West End star of Wicked, Six and Rock Of Ages?
“It was the best yet! SO much fun. Jodie and I sang Take Me Or Leave Me from Rent [the American musical in which Ian Stroughair played the messianic Angel].
What’s the history of Me & My Divas?
“I first performed it in January this year in Perth, Australia, at Fringeworld, winning the Best Cabaret award for the season.”
What’s the content of this new show?
“No diva is safe, no riff she won’t sing – so strap yourself in and let the belt-off begin.
“Me & My Divas is an overindulgent diva fest celebrating the songs and behaviour of all of your favourite divas, including Celine, Mariah, Whitney, Aretha, Cher, Britney (maybe not!) and many more.”
Definitely being one yourself, what are the qualifications required to be a diva, Velma?
“Crazy, talented and confidence to suit.”
Will you have a guest joining you remotely, like you did with Twinnie, Louise Dearman and Jodie Steel for your previous online shows?
“I am working on this. Hopefully I will.”
What are your upcoming plans as lockdown loosens ever more expansively?
“Darlings, you can now book Velma OR Ian to perform privately for your ‘Bubble’ in your outside space/garden or publicly if you have a venue with enough room for social distancing indoors or out!!!
Dish of the day in her Bishy kitchen: Glam York drag diva Velma Celli is back on your telly or PC this weekend
VELMA Celli, York’ glamorous globe-strutting drag diva, will be Large & Lit in her latest lockdown concert streamed from her Bishopthorpe kitchen on Saturday night.
Ian Stroughair, the alter-ego of fabulous cabaret creation Velma, returned to self-isolate in his native York, rather than his adopted milieu of London, directly from a tour of Australia, and obeying government orders, he has stayed home since quarantine.
Ian, who presents The Velma Celli Show at The Basement, City Screen, York, each month, organised Velma’s first intimate kitchen gig for May 2, in support of St Leonard’s Hospice, in Tadcaster Road, where his late mother was a patient.
“I’d always wanted to find a way to support the hospice, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” said Ian, who raised £1,288 for St Leonard’s that night. “With so many conventional fundraising events postponed due to the lockdown, it was a great way for people to support the hospice while enjoying a fantastic, fun and fruity evening of live music in their own living room.”
Ian’s glittering cabaret queen has starred in such self-originated shows as A Brief History Of Drag, Equinox – Something Fabulous This Way Comes and Me And My Divas, as well as The Velma Celli Show, and now he adds Large & Lit In Lockdown to his title list.
Diva Velma’s repertoire of impersonations of singers and their peculiar mannerisms draws inspiration from a multitude of the best female vocalists of the past 75 years, from Judy Garland to Lady Gaga and beyond. “And unlike many drag queens, Velma always performs live, adding her own special spin to familiar songs,” Ian says.
“This time we’ll have some Bowie, Barbra and Britney,” promises Velma
Charles Hutchinson asks Ian Stroughair/Velma Celli for quick answers to quick questions ahead of Saturday’s 8pm gig.
How did the first kitchen concert go? What was the highlight for you?
“It was so much fun but totally bizarre not having an audience. Trying to navigate this new way of working was tricky but still fun. The highlight was telling my house mates to clap at the end of the songs! Bless them, they didn’t know if they were allowed. LOL!”
How did it work out singing a “remote” duet with York country singer Twinnie?
“I sang from the kitchen and she was out in the garden – which you can get to without coming through the house – on a radio mic. There was a rather fabulous patio door reveal! ‘Social-distant duetting’ is the new black!”
Why have you chosen Large & Lit In Lockdown for the latest show title? Nice alliteration, by the way!
“I love alliteration and I am large. Mainly because it’s become custom in this house to fry EVERYTHING!”
Where will you perform on Saturday? In the kitchen again or another room?
“Kitchen, better acoustics.”
How will the set list differ from the first concert?
“It will be completely different. This time we’ll have some Bowie, Barbra and Britney! Ya welcome!”
Choice of dress for the occasion?
“Whatever I can still fit into.”
Any songs come to mind to perform in response to the Government’s new advice to Stay Alert?
“All By Myself, the Eric Carmen song.”
When do you envisage being able to return to the world of the stage, the greasepaint and the live audience?
“I don’t want to think about that! Most likely 2021. Urgh.”
How do people acquire a ticket for the best seat in their house for the live stream from Case De Velma Celli?
“As per [usual], all you need to do is get ya tickets from the link below a.s.a.p. and a live link will arrive in your email inbox on the day of the show. Click on it at show time and BOOM! There she is.
Velma Celli: Adding more than a little sparkle to lockdown
VELMA Celli, York’ very own globe-strutting drag diva, will host a special fundraising concert for St Leonard’s Hospice live from her kitchen on Saturday night to “add a little sparkle to lockdown while helping this great cause”.
Ian Stroughair, the alter-ego of fabulous cabaret creation Velma, returned to self-isolate in his native York directly from a tour of Australia, since when he has joined a host of fellow West End performers to create a season of online streamed concerts from their own homes.
In the wake of Velma’s successful Leave A Light On concert, when viewers tuned in from York, London and even as far afield as New York, Ian decided to organise an intimate gig in support of St Leonard’s Hospice, in Tadcaster Road, York.
“Unfortunately, too many of us have seen the amazing work of the team at St Leonard’s Hospice first hand, as loved ones, including my mum, spent time there as cancer was making life increasingly difficult for them,” says Ian, who presents The Velma Celli Show at The Basement, City Screen, York, each month.
“I’ve always wanted to find a way to support the hospice, and this seems like the perfect opportunity. With so many conventional fundraising events postponed due to the lockdown, this is a great way for people to support the hospice while enjoying a fantastic, fun and fruity evening of live music in their own living room.”
Ian’s glittering cabaret queen has starred in such self-originated shows as A Brief History Of Drag, Equinox – Something Fabulous This Way Comes and Me And My Divas, as well as The Velma Celli Show.
Diva Velma’s repertoire takes inspiration from many of the best female vocalists of the past 75 years, from Judy Garland to Lady Gaga and beyond. “So there’s something for everyone – including hilarious impersonations of the voices and peculiar mannerisms – of some of pop music’s most famous stars,” Ian says. “Unlike many drag queens, Velma always performs live, adding her own special spin to familiar songs.”
Online audience members will receive a link to watch the performance 30 minutes before the 8pm show, which can be streamed on a PC or internet-enabled smart TV.
Velma Celli: From her kitchen to your living room on Saturday night
Charles Hutchinson asks Ian Stroughair/Velma Celli for quick answers to quick questions in the build-up to Saturday’s gig.
Where are you playing this online show? In York or are you back in London now?
“Darling, I’m in Bishy Bishopthorpe. I came up a week before lockdown.”
Why did you choose a kitchen as the performance space for Saturday’s stream?
“It’s the biggest room and better acoustically.”
Describe your kitchen. Colour scheme? Favourite kitchen gadget?
“We are white and grey in our kitchen. Gadget? Bottle opener (obvs!).”
What do you most like about kitchens?
“I love kitchens ’cos I’m a mean cook. Not a bitchy one, just very good! I actually wanted to be a chef, that was the plan. I love to bake.”
What’s your favourite dish you make?
“At the moment, my favourite thing is a custard cake. It’s my great friends Eliza and Suzie’s grandma Dot’s recipe and it’s heavenly.”
Any tips for cooking in lockdown?
“Get creative with what’s in and try not to over-shop.”
How have you been coping with lockdown in York? What are you doing to fill your days?
“I’m coping well. I have my moments because I travel so much with work. I’m cycling a lot and writing.”
Are you good in total isolation?
“NO.”
What are you missing most in lockdown?
“Being with my friends and family.”
What had you been doing this year before lockdown struck?
“I toured Australia with my latest show, which was amazing. I also went on the Atlantis Gay cruise around New Zealand and just lots of fabulous gigs in the U.K.”
What was in your 2020 diary that you now can’t do?
“So many gigs – and I was supposed to open and star in Funny Girls in Blackpool for a few months.”
Why are you doing this concert for St Leonard’s Hospice?
“St Leonard’s Hospice cared for my Mum in her last days. It’s a fantastic facility in York that – since Mum’s passing – I try to support as much as I can because they are utterly fabulous.
“The staff are like living angels. I am in awe of them.”
How did the Leave A Light On show go? When was it broadcast?
“I did it as a solo show on April 2 and it was so much fun. Special shout-out to Eliza and Jamie at Lambert Jackson Productions for their involvement. They’re awesome.”
What songs will you be performing this weekend and why?
“Ooooo, don’t want to spoil the surprise! There’ll be some Queen, Gaga, Judy [Garland] and many more.”
Will there be any special new additions on an isolation theme?
“Yes! A Nirvana classic but re-written lyrically.”
Which one? Maybe that new President Trump Covid-19 favourite Smells Like White Spirit?
“That’s it. Bang on the sentiment.”
What length will the show be? Any guests?
“One hour. I’ll have the insanely talented Twinnie joining me, though safely apart. She’s up in York at her Mum’s for lockdown. Her album Hollywood Gypsy just came out and it’s amazing!
York country singer Twinnie: Velma Celli’s special guest on Saturday
“She hasn’t decided on what else she’ll performing yet, but most likely we’ll do an album track together too.”
I know just the song! May I suggest her candid yet candied single Better When I’m Drunk?
“Perfect. That’s the one. Whoop!”
Finally, how will you celebrate when you can perform on a stage again, in front of an audience?
“By being ready and raising my game.”
To listen to York country singer Twinnie’s debut album, Hollywood Gypsy, last week’s BBC Radio 2 album of the week, go to: https://twinnie.lnk.to/hollywoodgypsyWE
YORK drag
queen supreme Velma Cella is to appear in thousands of living rooms across the
country – and around the world – in an uplifting live concert, streamed
tomorrow evening.
Velma’s
Drag Party will be on screen at 6.30pm as
part of the Leave A Light On concert series promoted by Lambert Jackson and The
Theatre Café, St Martin’s Lane, London, to provide financial support for the
performers involved and entertainment for people in self-isolation.
“This
is a tough time for many people, particularly those who regularly attend live
concerts, shows and gigs who are missing the unedited nature of live
performance,” says Ian Stroughair, the West End actor and singer behind Velma
Celli’s spectacular make-up and even more spectacular singing.
“I’m incredibly proud to be taking part,” says Ian Stroughair, alias Velma Celli
“So, it’s
fantastic that Lambert Jackson and The Theatre Café have produced such a superb
series of concerts that can be watched live at home from some of the finest
West End performers. I’m incredibly proud to be taking part.”
Velma Celli’s monthly show at The Basement, City Screen, York, is in abeyance during the Coronavirus lock-down, but devotees and first-timers alike tuning in tomorrow evening can expect “some belted classics and plenty of laughs along the way as we leave reality behind for an hour of camp fun”.
Leave The Light On pays homage to the theatre tradition of leaving a single light burning on the stage of an empty theatre, supposedly to appease the ghosts who reside there.
Tickets
for the live stream cost £7.50 and can be bought up to an hour before the
broadcast. Viewers will be sent a link via email that enables them to
watch the performance live. To buy, go to thetheatrecafe.co.uk/event/leave-a-light-on-velma-celli-live
