Iconic - A Brief History of Drag

The Stage Door

Essentially a cabaret showcase for the exceptional talent that is Ian Stroughair, performing here in the guise of his drag-act alter-ego Velma Celli, this is a variety show that wouldn’t be out of place in London’s West End.

The supporting bill features a showcase from Eliza Joy and Daniel Ferrett, two talented musical theatre stars making a name for themselves locally as Spotlight. Their likeable personalities and strong vocals drew warm applause from the audience. They were followed by a fine, if brief, performance from James RH Sayers, his rendition of John Legend’s emotional All of Me being the highlight.

The second-half was opened by the glamorous Lynsey, Lauren and Chloe who form Timeless’ a lively close-harmony trio who sang a variety of old favourites, previewing their own headline show later this month.

Backed by a great quartet led by musical director Alex ‘Teddy’ Clements on keyboards, Velma Celli hit the stage in a short sequined dress and blonde wig, looking every inch a superstar. A rip-roaring Sugar Daddy, Bring It Home kicked proceedings off in fine style, followed by Sex Is In The Heels from Kinky Boots.

More well-selected songs followed, showing that ‘Velma’ has a tremendous vocal range equally at home with Rocky Horror’s manic Sweet Transvestite as the wonderful slow Bowie tribute, Under Pressure and Starman, arranged and accompanied on acoustic guitar by Ed Keeble.

Deserved credit was given to the backing vocalists, Stephanie Amies, Eliza Joy and Rebecca Bailey and they particularly excelled on the emotional Rent anthem I’ll Cover You.

Velma had the audience in stitches with a parody of superstars Britney, Tina Turner, Anastasia, Shakira and Cher before heading for the finishing line with a Priscilla of the Desert medley and closing with the iconic I Am What I Am that segued into And I Am Telling You.

Fantastic!

Alan Johns

Iconic - A Brief History of Drag runs until Saturday.

Tickets from thestagedoor.org.uk