YORK drag diva Velma Celli is signing up for a rugby club in her home city.
Velma, the cabaret creation of West End and international musical actor, singer and dancer Ian Stroughair, will play at York RI Rugby Union Football Club, in New Lane, Acomb on Friday night after a spring and summer of lockdown shows live-streamed from Ian’s Bishopthorpe kitchen.
In the wake of such online diva delights from Case de Velma Celli as Large & Lit In Lockdown, Equinox, Me And My Divas and A Night At The Musicals, here comes An Evening Of Song, live in the Acomb open air.
“Bring your bubble, chairs and campness to York RI Club, New Lane for a spectacular outdoor evening of music and laughs beneath the stars,” says the club website. “Joining Velma will be some of Yorks greatest vocal talents!”
Here, Charles Hutchinson asks Ian/Velma to stretch out on the psychiatrist’s sofa for a spot of quick-thinking self-analysis and more besides.
What did you learn about yourself in lockdown?
“That I wasn’t spending enough time at home.”
Were there good things to being back in York, quarantining after your Australian shows in your home city, rather than in the Big Smoke?
“Goodness, yes. It’s just such a beautiful place and people are lovely.”
What were the best aspects of doing shows online?
“Learning how to do it well. A new skill, it was tricky, but we got there.”
What were the worst aspects?
“Learning how to do it well. A new skill, it was tricky, but we got there.”
Is there long-term potential for online shows, given that not everyone can get down to London…or even to The Basement, at City Screen, your regular York haunt?
“Yes, I think it will continue to bridge the gap well into 2021. Theatre and the like are going to be baby-stepping it for a long time, so online can keep us all entertained: something we have all learned we need so much in our lives.”
How did you feel to be performing to a live audience again in person at Proud Cabaret All Stars in London last Friday and Saturday? What have you missed most?
“It was AWESOME! I will never forget it. The atmosphere was incredible. It was at a stunning venue on Embankment…it’s HUGE! I’ve missed it all but mostly the cast. The energy and, of course, the audience.
You’re playing a rugby club in York on a Friday night…that’s brave! Discuss!
“Someone suggested there and I went down and met the lovely Caroline [Knight] and I was sold. LOVELY people there and I grew up in Acomb, so it just feels right.”
What will feature in An Evening Of Song…the title would suggest a show that can go anywhere, span any genre, climb every musical mountain?
“HA! Yes, it will be a mixed bag of whatever I fancy on the day and of course requests online. Message me on Facebook, peeps!
“Pop, rock, impressions and some musical theatre (obvs).”
Did Lockdown give you a chance to experiment anew with the powder and paint?
“I didn’t. I only wear make-up for the show and I enjoyed the break. It takes forever!”
If anyone is heading down to London on October 8, what can they look forward to in That Drag Show, “an evening of debauched fun and fabulosity at London’s newest drag revue show”, with you, Karla Bear and Portia at the Proud Cabaret City?
“The triple threats, sent from the Gods. The girls are AWESOME! Really talented folks, so the place might explode.”
Who are Karla Bear and Portia? What do they each specialise in?
“Karla is an Ozzie import and she wasted no time making a stamp on the UK drag scene, appearing in Kinky Boots in the West End within weeks of arriving.
“She was in the Australian cast of Wicked. She won Drag Idol UK, was the closing act at London LGBT Pride in 2019 and is the girl next door you don’t want your daddy to meet!
“Portia is a West End legend and made an infamous splash into Soho when she originated the role of Young Bernadette in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert at The Palace Theatre and also in La Cage Aux Folles. She’s one of London’s most sought-after hosts and has more legz than a bucket of chicken.”
What is the impact on the live drag scene of this sudden burst of TV shows – the latest being Canada’s Drag Race on BBC Three – for drag addicts needing their glamorous fix?
“Drag is hugely popular now, which must be a good thing.”
Velma Celli: An Evening Of Song, with special guest Jessica Steel, York RI Rugby Union Football Club, New Lane, Acomb, September 11, 8pm, doors 7pm. Tickets: from £16.50 at https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/velma-celli-an-york-ri-rugby-union-football-tickets/10685505
“Please get your tickets in advance of the day as we need to organise tables cos of good ole Covid,” says Velma. “Get those [song] requests in darlings at https://www.facebook.com/VelmaCelliCabaret/”
Velma Celli, Karla Bear and Portia in That Drag Show, Proud Cabaret City, Mark Lane, London, EC3R 7AH, October 8, 8pm, doors 7pm. Tickets: £20 to £50 at https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/that-drag-show-proud-cabaret-city-tickets/10698715
