YORK cabaret queen Velma Celli, the alter ego of West End star Ian Stroughair, returns to The Basement at City Screen, York, on April 14 after wintering in Australia to sell-out audiences.

Where did you tour in Australia and what venues did you play, Ian?

"I performed my show Iconic – A Brief History Of Drag at festivals in Adelaide and Perth, where I was nominated for Best Cabaret at Perth Fringeworld.

"It was a fantastic experience, and while there I did guest appearances in other shows such as the legendary Little Death Club, but also in
Connections nightclub, the oldest 'gay' venue in Western Australia, which was very cool."

Did you have any experiences like the drag queens in The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert?!

"I did indeed have some 'Priscilla' moments. Mainly as I had to wander between shows in full makeup – because of time limitations – and that was like being in that movie. The only difference is the locals LOVED it. 
"The festival in both cities is crazy big and everywhere you look there's a show happening or an artist wandering about. It’s very colourful and everyone is embraced."

York Press:

"Lots of belting, comedy and of course show tunes," promises Velma Celli

Playing to full houses must have been a great feeling…..?

"Yes. It was a surprise because I don’t know anyone in Australia really so I was prepared to be playing to perhaps just two nanas and a whippet. We were stunned at the turnout, especially in Perth. As soon as the reviews were out, it went mental."

Likewise, you must have been pleased with a Best Cabaret nomination at Perth Fringeworld...?

"I was, espspecially as it was my first time out there. Like at the Edinburgh Fringe, it normally takes a few years to build up a reputation and a following, so I wasn’t expecting it at all."

What shows are you doing in London at the moment?

"Well, I've only just got back from Australia, so so far I've opened my new show at The Aeronaut called Velma Celli’s House Of Drag and I'm back at my weekly residency at Cafe de Paris. No rest for the wicked!"

What will be new in your April show in York?

"This month I'll be pulling our all the stops (and notes) as I haven't performed in my home city since my Christmas show. I've missed it.

"There'll be a new impressions section and I'm even whacking in some Mariah [Carey] It is time! Lots of belting, comedy and of course show tunes."

Will you be doing regular shows once more at The Basement, like you did last year? 
"Yes, April 14 kicks off another year of my monthly residency of Velma Celli At The Basement shows on the second Saturday of every month, except in June when it'll be on the 16th."

York Press:

Velma Celli's old look

How is the new Velma look with the shorter hair going down?

"It’s great and so much more comfortable. Less sweating, which benefits those close to the stage. Nobody's wants a shower mid-show do they? Velma originally had short hair, so I've come back to my roots – literally!"

Given your cabaret queen knowledge, what's the best shave a man can get?

"What on earth are you talking about?! I don’t need to shave. This drag queen was sent from the gods pre-waxed!"

Which West End show would you recommend seeing on a London visit right now?

"Hamilton. I was invited to attend the last dress rehearsal before it opened and was speechless as to how amazing it is. It's almost impossible to get a ticket,so you may need to beg or steal to get in. My ex is one of the leads and I'm STILL raving about it, so it must be good."

Ian Stroughair presents Velma Celli At The Basement, City Sctreen, York, April 14, May 12, June 16, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10 and December 8. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15 at thebasementyork.co.uk or on 0871 902 5726.