Just A Quickie with...drag queen Velma Celli, alias York cabaret artist and actor Ian Stroughair

SOMETHING "wicked" this way comes as Velma Celli promises a Halloween treat with the York-born drag queen's bewitching new show, Equinox, at The Basement, City Screen, York, on October 31.

"Forget warts and crooked noses; this Halloween, the most glamorous witches in all the world will be celebrated in a musical tribute as I bring Equinox to The Basement for a frighteningly good night of powerhouse vocals," says Velma.

For this special show, Velma has swapped her regular weekend slot to midweek to make the most of the witching hour. Here Charles Hutchinson puts questions, every witch way, to the man behind Velma's make-up, Ian Stroughair.

When and where did you first perform Equinox, Ian?

"The first show is actually on October 29 at the legendary Braisserie Zedel in London, so just two days before the York show."

How and why did you select the featured songs?

"The show is a celebration in song of the greatest witches from stage and screen, from The Little Mermaid's Ursula to Wicked's Elphaba. Not just the witches, but lots of enchantingly good enchantresses along the way. Many misunderstood or fabulously dark characters from movies, theatre and popular culture too. The misfits."

What draws you to sing witches' songs?

"Witches are often the principal foe in films and musicals, with a big role to play to show just how powerful they are, which means that the songs that they sing are incredibly strong to showcase their might.

"As a performer, this means that you can really belt them out, and Equinox brings together the biggest, baddest and best songs that any evil queen could hope to sing.. Every drag queen loves to be a little bit naughty, and Equinox is the perfect opportunity for this diva to light up the darkness."

York Press:

Velma Celli's poster for Equinox

Why did you choose “Equinox” as the title?

"Equinox is known as the witching hour, when daylight and darkness are almost equal. I've decided that this is the perfect time for the diva in me to be unleashed. This Halloween, you are all invited into my lair – The Basement – to celebrate all my favourite bitching witches."

What transforms diva Velma into a “witch” for this show?

"My outfit...oh, and the shoes. Witch, glam realness!"

What is you idea of being "wicked"?

"Last night I ate cheesecake in bed. That's about as crazy as I get these days."

Who is your favourite "witch" and why?

"Tricky one. I would have to say Ursula. I'm obsessed with anything nautical and I love her unapologetic evilness. It's clear, straight to the point."

What will you be wearing for your Halloween show in York?

"I've just had the first fitting. It’s a custom-made dress by my great friend Suzie, all the way from Australia. She's incredible. It's a stunning, black, sequin, floor-length gown with a train.

"I’m breaking out my darkest sequins and nails, and I’d hope the audience will join in the Halloween theme. Hags, wizards and zombies are all welcome to put in an appearance, but I’ll be keeping the ghoulies firmly tucked away."

What have you been up to in 2018?

"At the beginning of the year, I was in Australia touring with my show Iconic, A Brief History of Drag. Then I did a UK tour, New York City and a summer run at the Edinburgh Fringe. It has been crazy and wonderful."

What’s in Velma’s diary for the rest of 2018 and early 2019?

"Well, with Christmas approaching, I'm doing a lot of shows at my residencies in London and appearances all over the place really. It’s going to be busy. Bring on the food! I'm allowed to announce my schedule for 2019 yet, but it's very exciting. Watch this space."

Velma Celli: Equinox, The Basement, City Screen, October 31, 8pm. Tickets: £15 to £20 at thebasementyork.co.uk; Velma’s shows always sell out, so early booking is advised.