York Theatre Royal Saturday – 19th March 2022
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
York drag star, Velma Celli (Ian Stroughair) hit the York Theatre Royal stage on Saturday night for an evening of cabaret. Me and My Divas is a celebration of divas, who have influenced her throughout the years.
From the offset, stepping on the stage belting out Marry the Night, you could tell we were going to be in for a great night. She looked glorious and there was certainly nothing fake about her, well apart from her amazing eyelashes, especially loved the hair. What followed was over 2 ½ hours, including interval, longer than Les Mis, as she kept reminding us, of pure entertainment.
Velma is a born entertainer, funny, full of charm and a talented singer with a belting voice. She has a way with the audience that had us all in the palm of her hand. She has a witty sense of humour, putting her own spin on things, producing some great comedic moments. With a four-piece band accompanying her she worked her way through such artists as Witney, Adele, Ella James, Madonna, Lady Gaga and a hilarious exchange between Miley Cyrus and Sinead O’Connor, plus many more.
Throughout the evening she was supported by three guest entertainers, Twinnie, Gina Murray and Jess Steel. With powerful voices, they paid their own homage to the divas of the past, as well as duets with Velma, each bringing that special something to the evening. Twinnie was engaging, playing her new single “Welcome to the Club”. West End leading lady Gina, who may be petite, but she could belt out those numbers and with her wonderful accents, was a fabulous mimic. Jess, with her glorious red hair, was hilarious. Arriving on stage full of easy chatter, the kind that you have with your mates, had us all in stitches. She is a natural, and then she sang, WOW, what a voice. Her duet of Shallow, from a Star is Born, with Velma was stunning.
One of the highlights of the show for me was Velma’s reverence for two divas that you wouldn’t immediately think of as divas, and only because they are male. Those were Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. Her tribute to both artists gave me goosebumps.
The vocal talent on show was just amazing for the whole evening, a perfect cabaret show. Velma and the girls, had us all up and dancing and certainly deserved the standing ovation they received.
This overindulgent diva fest was a night of escapism, over far too quickly. Just what we need to help lift us, especially in the times we are living in.
Keep an eye out for more Velma Celli shows, you won’t be disappointed, we weren’t!