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GRAMMY®, EMMY® & 3x TONY® AWARD WINNER

BILLY PORTER

TO EMBARK ON UK SOLO TOUR

THE BLACK MONA LISA

FROM 18 OCTOBER 2024

FOURTH WALL LIVE and AEG PRESENTS are delighted to announce GRAMMY®, EMMY® and 3x Tony® Award winner Billy Porter’s brand new show and UK tour THE BLACK MONA LISA, which will run from 18 October 2024, including a night at The London Palladium on 26 October. Tickets on sale Friday 31 May at www.fw-live.com www.aegpresents.co.uk and axs.com 

Billy Porter is The Black Mona Lisa! Backed by a full band, the Black Mona Lisa UK Tour 2024 takes the audience on a musical journey through Billy’s life story — showcasing tracks from ‘Black Mona Lisa’, his latest pop album, while also celebrating his 90s R&B roots and award-winning turns on Broadway.

Speaking on the tour, Billy said “I’m thrilled to be bringing my fifth and most personal album to tour my 2nd favourite home country. The UK has embraced my passion project with open arms, with me seeing two of my singles: Children & Baby Was A Dancer soar to the top of BBC Radio Radio 2 Pop Charts, with the latter reaching #1. I can’t wait to share my love for you all live and in person. 

And just for clarity, my pronouns are: he/him. She/her. They/Them — THAT BITCH! Often imitated. Never duplicated. They are one of one. The only one. The complete definition of…ICONIC. Ladies, gentlemen and those who have yet to make up their minds; I serve you MISS BLACK MONA LISA!”

Billy Porter is an award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, and playwright. He won an Emmy Award for Lead Actor for his role in FX’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated drama Pose. He earned three Emmy nominations total for his role in the series. A Hollywood Walk of Fame inductee, Porter has numerous theatre credits, including the role of ‘Lola’ in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, which he originated in 2013 and for which he won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards, as well as the Grammy for best musical-theatre album. He won his second Tony Award in 2022 for “Best Musical” as a producer on A Strange Loop and his third was the Isabelle Stevenson Award for his outstanding contribution to advocacy, social service and charity. Recently, he starred in the film Our Son alongside Luke Evans, the Paramount comedy 80 For Brady alongside Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field, and Prime Video’s Cinderella remake. His feature directorial debut Anything’s Possible, a coming-of age film written by Ximena García Lecuona, was released in July 2022 on Prime Video. In 2023, he directed an episode of Fox’s anthology series Accused. Upcoming, he will co-write and star in a James Baldwin biopic. Porter released his first literary project, Unprotected, in October 2021, which was published by Abrams Press. As a recording artist, Porter most recently released his album Black Mona Lisa, under his record deal with Island Records (UK) and Republic Records (US).

Website: www.theebillyporter.com / www.fw-live.com / www.aegpresents.co.uk

Instagram: @theebillyporter

X: @theebillyporter

Facebook: @theebillyporter

2024 TOUR SCHEDULE

18 October                              Swansea Arena
                                                swansea-arena.co.uk

20 October                              Glasgow King’s Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

22 October                              Bath Forum                                                   
                                                www.bathforum.co.uk

24 October                              Manchester Palace Theatre        
                                                www.atgtickets.com/manchester

26 October                              The London Palladium
                                                lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/the-london-palladium

28 October                              Brighton Dome
                                                brightondome.org 

STATEMENT

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE TO CLOSE FROM JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2024 FOR PLANNED MAINTENANCE

Leeds Grand Theatre will close for essential planned maintenance work from Mon 10 June – Thu 5 September 2024.

The extended dark period (when a theatre closes for maintenance) has been diarised for some time and will focus on three major improvement schemes (with other work also taking place):

• Future-proofing the front of house auditorium rigging for Circle fronts, surround sound, and delay bars that will improve the quality of lighting and sound that visiting companies can deliver
• Installing a new OP Dock loading floor and structural strengthening works to the load-bearing walls in this area to accommodate the larger and heavier sets that modern shows tour
• Carrying out work on the Dress Circle Boxes and auditorium risers to comply with the ABTT’s Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment. Improvements will also be made to the lighting, décor, and handrails of the Circle Boxes

The Grade II listed Victorian theatre will reopen with two weeks of comedy and music greats, including Mo Gilligan, Sarah Millican and Richard Carpenter. This will be followed by Opera North’s autumn season yet to be announced.

The very best one-night acts will continue to play at City Varieties Music Hall throughout the summer plus Leeds Grand Youth Theatre will perform the Little Shop of Horrors. Hyde Park Picture House will carry on screening the best films from around the world and delivering inspiring projects for the communities of Leeds.

Our Box Office and ticketing streams (phone and online) remain open as usual.

Norwich Theatre Royal – 24th & 25th May 2024

Reviewed by Boo Wakefield

4****

For two nights only, an Accident/a Life is on at Norwich Theatre as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Directed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, this is a play by Marc Brew, about Marc Brew, with him the only identifiable actor on the stage and, save for a recording of a video call with his mother, his the only voice; it is his story of his trauma, of his surviving a car crash in South Africa in which his three fellow passengers, his friends, died; of his fight to survive; of his learning he had been left paraplegic and his embryonic career as a dancer denied him; and of his new life beginning. It is harrowing and poignant – and as an affirmation of the indomitable strength of the human spirit and the unconditional love of a mother for her son, it is a masterpiece.

As a production, it fits no neat ‘genre’ pigeonhole; it is unlike anything you will have seen before. Marc is in constant motion, but it isn’t dance as you know it, as he drags his hyperflexible, lifeless legs behind him, placing them with his hands into impossible contortions, leaving his audience never comfortable. The set (by Designer Pepijn Van Looy) is stunningly effective with screens on either side and the car from the accident suspended by its rear bumper gently rotating above him, a reminder of the accident’s constant presence in his life. Masked figures as crash-test dummies (Lewis Landini and Kazutomi Kozuki) join him on the stage with hand-held video cameras, the images they capture projected onto the screens, Marc ‘breaking the fourth wall’ to talk to camera and thereby onto the screens and to his audience; and a musical score of mood-music contrasting jarringly with Marc’s soft voice and then surreal moments like Toto’s anthem Africa on full-blast with the lyrics projected on the screen to sing along to.

The play claws at your compassion and empathy for Marc and what he has been through, but it also leaves you with a sense of having participated in a material step on Marc’s journey of recovery to his new life, of having been part of helping him regain his own sense of self-esteem and self-value through a return to the stage and to what he craved before the accident – being the focus of attention and being able to express himself to an adoring audience of which you are part; and in that sense it takes rather more from you than it gives.

Jack Studio Theatre – until 25 May 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Luke Adamson’s atmospheric ghost story embraces the gothic gloom of Walter De La Mere’s story The Green Room and creates a spookily enthralling hour of drama.

Embracing the familiar verbose and sometimes florid style of the best English ghost stories, Thomas (Joseph Lindoe) narrates the memories of a fateful stormy night. Taking shelter from the storm in a deserted bookshop, Thomas’s comfort in being surrounded by books is soon disturbed as he realises that he may not be alone.

As Thomas attempts to communicate with the ghost, he is led to the mysterious green room hidden in the bookshop, and through a diary, thinks that he is beginning to understand why the girl is trapped there and wants to help, but must also find a way to escape himself.

Joseph Lindoe is a joy to watch as Thomas in a beautifully judged performance, wonderfully earnest and affable, but still arrogant enough to critique the writing of others even as he narrates this terrifying tale. Under Adamson’s direction, the monologue is never dull, as Lindoe draws the audience into the dark and mysterious bookshop by manoeuvring around imagined bookcases. JLA Productions’ lighting and Luke Adamson’s sound design effortlessly build the sense of space and the suspense as sounds emanate from different points around the stage. On a sunny May evening the show felt like we were huddled together around a fire on a dark, wintry night listening to ghost stories – superbly spinetingling.

Menier Chocolate Factory – until 29 June 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Jerry Herman’s enormous and unforgettable contribution to musical theatre is celebrated in this energetic and fun revue show, first staged on Broadway in 1985. Herman’s greatest hits are galloped through in this joyous show, first conceived by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento and Herman.

The concept is simple – three female performers perform the Herman hit parade – and director Hannah Chissick embraces the concept with aplomb. We see the “girls” backstage preparing for the performance, and a red curtain sweeps across the stage to mark their actual “performance.” With no script, the passages between songs are filled with silent vignettes allowing glimpses into the women’s lives, loves and relationships with each other. Paul Farnsworth’s set design allows the audience to see the cast interacting or watching each other in the wings as another performs in front of the curtain.

With songs from Hello, Dolly!, Mame, Mack & Mabel, La Cage Aux Folles, A Day in Hollywood, Milk and Honey, Dear World and Parade, there are some incredible numbers in this show that will be familiar and loved by musical theatre fans. Broadly speaking, the performances “backstage” are more intimate and truthful, while the big belting numbers are performed – and sometimes oversold with a knowing wink – “onstage” with Matt Cole’s cheerful choreography. This helps establish the women’s personalities simply and subtly. The show ends with a roll call song reminding us of the incredible women who have sung these songs before.

I think Jerry would approve of this latest set of his girls. Cassidy Janson exudes soulful passion, impish humour and lets rip brilliantly when belting is needed, Jessica Martin is a wonderful mix of toughness and jaded fragility, and Julie Yammanee plays the ingenue role beautifully. Their harmonies are flawless and energy boundless – a wonderful trio of talents.

You’ll leave the theatre smiling and humming. A must-see for musical theatre lovers, and a wonderful introduction to Jerry Herman’s songbook for the uninitiated, Jerry’s Girls is a fun and uplifting show with stellar performances.

THE BARN THEATRE PRESENTS 
SOME MOTHERS DO ‘AVE ‘EM 
THE BARN THEATRE 
FROM 08 JULY – 17 AUGUST 
TICKETS HERE

Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, and the whole team at the Barn Theatre, are pleased to announce full casting for the stage adaptation of the much-loved classic TV show Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, running at the Cirencester venue rom 08 July – 17 August, with a national press night on Thursday 11 July.

Directed by Joseph O’Malley and adapted from Ray Allen’s classic 1970s hit show by Guy Unsworth, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em will star Julie Teal (Confusions, Hayfever, Dial M For Murder, The King and I) as ‘Barbara Fisher’, Sam Denia (Chekhov’s Sketches and Vaudevilles, Comedy of Errors, Murder For Two, Around The World In 80 Days) as ‘Frank Spencer’, Laura Anna-Mead (Much Ado About Nothing, Damsels in Distress, Shakespeare in Love, Vanilla) as ‘Betty Spencer’, Derek Elroy (One Man Two Guvnors, Grenfell: Systems Failure, Grimm Tales, Calendar Girls The Musical) as ‘Father O’Hara’, Steven Wren (People, On Golden Pond, Othello, Little Shop of Horrors) as ‘David Worthington/Terry Luscombe’, Georgia Leila Stoller (The Three Lives of Lucie Cabrol, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, Carrie the Musical, Treasure Island) as ‘Leslie/Constable’.

The loveable accident-prone Frank Spencer fails to navigate even the easiest tasks of daily life, while also trying to look after his wife and baby, with hilarious consequences. A simple, likeable character who unwittingly and apologetically left a trail of devastation in his wake, Spencer’s ineptitude and determination to try everything led to many unforgettable moments of laugh out loud comedy.

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is the ultimate feel-good night out, washed down with lashings of nostalgia, belly laughs and Mother’s prune wine. It was first broadcast in 1973 and ran for two series, including two Christmas specials in 1974 and 1975.

During the 1970s, the show dominated television screens and became regarded as one of the most popular hit series of all time. It regularly garnered 25 million viewers and was broadcast in 60 countries. Frank Spencer, with his trademark beret and trench coat still remains one of the most beloved and most instantly recognisable comedy characters of all time.

Artistic Director Iwan Lewis said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’ to the Barn Theatre! This was one of my Grandmother’s favourite TV shows so as Frank Spencer would say, “I’ll try not to make a hash of it, Betty.” -We can’t wait to share Frank’s iconic comedic chaos with you on the Barn Theatre stage. Expect a whirlwind of laughs—Betty herself would be proud. It’s going to be smashing!”

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em will be directed by Joseph O’Malley, with design by Alfie Heywood lighting design by Adam Foley, composition and sound design by Sam Glossop, with Mike Beer as sound programmer. Annie Mackenzie is stunt coordinator.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE NATION’S FAVOURITE TEA-TIME TIGER 

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA


CELEBRATING ITS 10TH WEST END SEASON THIS SUMMER

A musical play by David Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr 

Theatre Royal Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HT 

8 July – 1 September 2024 

Back by popular demand, the Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer, celebrating its 10th West End season. The 2024 West End cast includes: Abbey Norman (Sophie), Jenanne Redman (Mummy), Benjamin Stone (Daddy, Milkman, Postman, Tiger), Myles Waby (Understudy) and Sarah Horton (Alternative Sophie/Mummy). 

A musical play adapted and directed by David WoodOBE, based on the classic tale by Judith Kerr OBE, The Tiger Who Came to Tea opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket on Monday 8 July until Sunday 1 September 2024, playing for a strictly limited 8 week season. 

Hailed as Britain’s best-loved picture book, Judith Kerr’s timeless classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea is now entering its 56th year, selling over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1968. The live stage adaptation premiered in 2008 and has since toured nationally and internationally, including Christmas seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Arts Centre with sold out dates in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain. In 2012 the production was nominated for the Olivier Award for ‘Best Family Entertainment’. This will be its 10th West End season and fourth consecutive summer season at Theatre Royal Haymarket. 

Bringing the nation’s favourite tea-guzzling tiger to life on stage, this musical slice of teatime mayhem entertains with sing-a-long songs, oodles of magic and interactive fun. It’s the ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged three and above and the perfect summer treat for the whole family. 

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her Mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! 

Directed by David Wood OBE, Designs by Susie Caulcutt, Associate Director/Choreographer Emma Clayton, Music Arranger & Supervisor Peter Pontzen, Magical Illusions designed by former President of the Magic Circle Scott Penrose, Lighting Design by Tony Simpson and Sound Design by Shock Productions. Produced by Nicoll Entertainment Ltd. 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is also currently touring the UK until October 2024, and will be playing concurrently with the West End production. 

OVER £74,000 RAISED AT THE ACTING FOR OTHERS WEST END FLEA MARKET

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces that more than £74,000 was raised at their fourth annual West End Flea Market, held on Saturday 18 May at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. Making it their most successful event to date.

The Mousetrap was this year crowned the Best Dressed Stall, in the competition judged by national stars Christopher Biggins and Harriet Thorpe. The stall for the world’s longest running show included show memorabilia and exclusive props used in the show for sale, including a newspaper signed by the entire cast, they also had a game of ‘Trap the Mouse’ for participants to play for chance of winning tickets for the show.

Many other West End shows had stalls including Back to the Future, Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club, Disney on Stage including Frozen and The Lion King, Guys and Dolls, Hamilton, Hadestown, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Moulin Rouge, Mrs Doubtfire, Operation Mincemeat, Phantom of the Opera, SIX, Sister Act, The Book of Mormon, and The Play that Goes Wrong, and other attractions included; Go Live Theatre Projects, ATG Touring Productions, Theatrical Memorabilia, Tombola, West End Charity Football Club Penalty Shoot-out, My Shot! The Pearly Kings and Queens, several Panto Dames and Flea market favourite Psychic Su Pollard told fortunes!

There were stars in the church taking selfies and signing posters and goodies for fans including Luke Bayer, Christina Bianco, Christopher Biggins, Sir Derek Jacobi, Ruth Jones, Lesley Joseph, Bonnie Langford, Melanie La Barrie, Harriet Thorpe, Dame Arlene Phillips, Dianne Pilkington, Peter Polycarpou and Michael Xavier.

www.actingforothers.co.uk       

Facebook: /Acting4Others

Instagram: @actingforothers

Twitter: @ActingForOthers

#WestEndFleaMarket

Full company announced for Chichester Festival Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh’s brand new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical

Revised by Cameron Mackintosh Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne

8 July – 7 September, Chichester Festival Theatre

As rehearsals started this week, the full cast has been announced for the spectacular new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical OLIVER!, premiering at Chichester Festival Theatre, produced in association with Cameron Mackintosh, from 8 July – 7 September. The show has been reconceived by director and choreographer Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, and will transfer to London’s Gielgud Theatre from 14 December.

Joining the previously announced Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q) as Fagin, Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon, The Bodyguard) as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables, BBC’s Dodger) as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr Brownlow, are: Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as Mr Bumble; Katy Secombe (The Music Man, Les Misérables) as Widow Corney; Stephen Matthews (Strictly Ballroom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig; and Jamie Birkett (Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mamma Mia The Party) as Mrs Sowerberry/Mrs Bedwin.

Forming the young adult cast are Callum Hudson (Noah Claypole), Isabelle Methven (Bet), Lochlan White (Charley Bates) and Harry Cross (Fagin’s Gang). The ensemble members/swings are: Rachael Archer, Tegan Bannister, Adam Boardman, Bethany Huckle, Ebony Jonelle, Bethan Keens (Charlotte), Danny Lane, Peter Nash, Josh Patel-Foster, Sam Peggs, Jasmine Sakyiama, Wendy Somerville (Old Sally), Leah Vassell and Matthew Whennell-Clark.

Sharing the role of Oliver Twist are Cian Eagle-Service (The Witches, Les Misérables), Raphael Korniets (The Snowman) and Jack Philpott (The Witches, Matilda). Following a nationwide search where hundreds of children from all around the country came to London to audition, the younger roles in Fagin’s gang are shared by Toba Agbelusi, Zoe Akinyosade, Ben Birch, Finley Burrows, Preston Cropp, Benjamin Dalton, Kylan Michael Denis, Sebastian Elton, Liam Findlay, Rudy Gibson, Stanley Guy, George Hamblin, Lily Hanna, Charlie Hodson-Prior, Grace King, Cooper McCrae, Jonny Niland, Hugo Pechey, William Skinner, Dylan Xavier and Aaron Zhao. Rudy Gibson, Charlie Hodson-Prior and William Skinner will also perform as Alternate Artful Dodger.

Matthew Bourne commented: ‘When the groundbreaking original production of Oliver! opened in 1960 the brilliant young cast was led by Ron Moody, Georgia Brown and Barry Humphries! None of them household names at the time but their performances would soon become the stuff of theatrical legend. I’m delighted today to be announcing our similarly brilliant and youthful cast, who will bring fresh life to Lionel Bart’s beloved masterpiece, creating an Oliver! for today, whilst staying true to the joyous spirit of its creator.’

The new production is designed by Lez Brotherston, Matthew Bourne’s long-time collaborator since 1994 (the same year Matthew also first worked as choreographer for Cameron Mackintosh and Sam Mendes on Oliver!) – their work together includes their celebrated production of Swan Lake, for which they both won Tonys on Broadway in 1999, where it was produced by Cameron; and their acclaimed productions of Edward Scissorhands and The Red Shoes.

Matthew Bourne is internationally renowned for reinventing classic stories for his company New Adventures, as well as his Olivier Award-winning choreography for My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins (which he co-directed and also earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography) and his recent acclaimed direction and musical staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.

With one of the greatest scores of all time, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more, Lionel Bart’s stage and film award-winning masterpiece vividly brings to life Dickens’ ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.

Revised by Cameron Mackintosh, Oliver! is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne; co-director Jean-Pierre van der Spuy; designer Lez Brotherston; musical supervisor and conductor Graham Hurman; lighting designers Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs; sound designer Adam Fisher; projection designer George Reeve; original orchestrations William David Brohn; orchestral adaptation Stephen Metcalfe; choreographic associates Etta Murfitt and Sam Archer; casting directors Felicity French CDG and Paul Wooller CDG; children’s casting director Verity Naughton CDG.

Oliver! is a Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre production.

There will be a Dementia Friendly performance on 31 July; a Relaxed Performance on 22 August; and a Summer Charity Gala on 6 September.

Oliver! is sponsored by Genesis Town Planning and Greenwood Wealth Solutions

Listings Info & booking information

Oliver!

Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart

Freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist

Revised by Cameron Mackintosh

Directed and Choreographed by Matthew Bourne

Chichester Festival Theatre

Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6AP

Performances from Monday 8 July – Saturday 7 September

Evenings at 7.30pm (except press night 24 Jul at 7pm, gala 6 Sep 6.30pm), matinees at 2.30pm

Tickets from £15

Prologue: £5 tickets for 16 – 30s

cft.org.uk Box Office 01243 781312

Gielgud Theatre

Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6AR

Performances from Saturday 14 December 2024 Currently booking until Sunday 6 April 2025

oliverthemusical.com

York Theatre Royal – Thursday 23rd May 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

York drag sensation Velma Celli, the alter ego of West End star Ian Stroughair, brought her latest cabaret act to the York Theatre Royal stage on Thursday evening. Show Queen, a celebration of the very best from London’s West End and Broadway Musical Theatre hits.

What a start to the show. Burlesque artist Miss Betsy Rose, performing a modest dance, before we were introduced to the star of the show, Velma. She looked fabulous with her amazing black outfit, massive bouffant skirt, short fitted jacket, hat and sparkly gloves. Just WOW!

Rather unfortunately there was a problem with the sound during the first number, and the show had to be halted mid-song to try and rectify. We had to wait a short while for it to restart, the whole audience showed great patience and understanding, and eager to have a great evening’s worth of entertainment. Starting from scratch, the show did go on, much to all our delight.

What a night it was, with music from some well-known shows, Cabaret, Rent, Six, Les Mis, Wicked and many more, as well as others, not so well known, Taboo and Soho Cinders. Even with the well-known shows, the tunes weren’t necessarily the ones you would expect to hear, with Velma opting for the more obscure numbers, as well as firm favourites. There were so many belting tunes, one of my favourites was Feeling Good, from the lesser known The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, but we all know the tune.

Along with a four-piece band, Scott, Sexy Al, Claudia, and Gordon, she had a couple of guest entertainers. As well as Miss Betsy Rose, who performed an impressive burlesque routine, Velma was joined by her local partner in crime, Jessica Steel. Accompanied by Stuart on the guitar, an ABBA medley, and her cracking vocals you can understand why Jess is her go-to girl. The local York audience lapped up their chemistry.

The charismatic Velma is a born entertainer, commanding centre stage. With her sharp wit, acidic tongue, and belting voice, she is a true star. I would have loved to have seen Stroughair perform on stage in the West End. Her ability to interact with the audience is a wonderful thing, at one point she had us all meowing to her rendition of Memory from Cats, and singing along with Never Trevor, you know, the ‘famous’ lyrics from Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. We were putty in her hands.

My only criticism of the night was, I thought there was too much echo on the vocals, her vocal range is impressive, and she really didn’t need it. That is only my untrained opinion, and it certainly didn’t detract from an amazing show.

Velma Celli is such a fabulous, flamboyant drag star, the consummate Show Queen. This one night only, cabaret show, was an amazing fun night out, fully deserving the standing ovation.

Make sure you keep an eye out for any of her future shows, I know I will.