NOT even a flooded house will stop York drag diva divine Velma Celli and sensational singing hairdresser Jess Steel from recording their latest streamed gig.
“Streamed”…what an ironic word that is right now, as Velma’s creator, musical actor and international cabaret star Ian Stroughair, and “work bubble” Jess survey the “carnage” in Ian’s riverside pad by the Ouse.
Exit Storm Christoph, re-enter the defiant duo, who will follow up last Friday’s double bill with the second instalment of An Evening With Velma & Jess, put back from today (22/1/2021) to tomorrow, with the recording having had to be delayed.
Tickets are on sale at https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/an-evening-with-velma-and-live-stream-tickets/10829655 until 5pm tomorrow, when the link to watch the show will arrive moments later. Please note, the recording will remain available for viewing for 48 hours.
Looking forward to still making a splash this weekend, Ian/Velma wades through Charles Hutchinson’s snappy questions.
How are you coping in the flood, Ian? What’s the latest state of play?
“It’s been a long, semi-sleepless couple of days. Fortunately, it hasn’t increased overnight but the kitchen is flooded and I cannot leave by either door. The back door is up to five feet in water and the front is inaccessible. It’s windows and wellies at the moment.”
Without giving the precise location, where is your riparian abode?
“I am right by Ouse Bridge. So, pretty much at the worse possible area but I have food and gin, so I’m gooooood!”
In which room will you now record the streamed gig?
“I think we may be OK to stick to the living room. If not, the four-poster master suite will be perfect!”
Will you adjust the setlist to take in songs about rain and flooding?
“Ha ha! Of course! Titanic meets Babs meets Abba.” [Water-loo?, editor ponders].
Have you ever had to cancel a gig (other than for killjoy Covid) and, if so, what was the best reason for a gig not going ahead?
“It’s never fun to cancel. I did once get stuck in Oz longer than expected and had to cancel a London date.”
Can you say anything at this stage of your plan to play gigs in York restaurants?
“Not too much yet! We are sorting the finer details. As soon as York goes into a tier where we can eat in restaurants, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops.”