FRINGE REVIEW: "Velma Celli's: A Brief History Of Drag"
If you’re looking for a show that will leave you star struck and in awe, look no further than Velma Celli’s: A Brief History of Drag. Known as ‘The UK’s Queen of Live Vocal Drag’, Velma Celli’s outstanding talent, theatrical sassiness and razor sharp wit certainly does not disappoint. From start to finish, Velma provides spine-tingling, tear-jerking, jaw-dropping vocals, perfectly paired with her incredible showmanship and entertaining persona.
David Bowie, Queen, Gaga and Priscilla fans rejoice - Velma’s versions of these iconic artists’ music will get your toes tapping, fingers snapping and trust me, by the end of the night, you’ll be up dancing. To say that her killer vocals and stage presence blew the audience away would truly be an understatement. When Velma sings, it makes you feel as if you’re about to spread your wings and soar. It would be safe to say that everyone in the room was grinning from ear to ear - how could you not, when such undeniable talent is embraced and nurtured to the point that truly, a star is born? Better yet, she’s come to Perth and you’ve been given the honour of getting to experience her talent live in an intimate performance, just metres away from where you sit. Having had years of experience in high end musical theatre, a range of gigs and various sell-out shows, it’s no wonder the queen truly enchants everyone as soon as the first notes leave her mouth.
More than just a drag queen with heavenly vocals and vicious humour, it’s clear that behind the act, Velma is a brilliant character with amazing emotional strength. The show didn’t just consist of risqué jokes and salacious sassiness - there were moments of raw honesty and eye opening stories, as well as beautiful music with lyrics that hit you straight in the heart. Her rendition of ‘I Am What I Am’, originally by Gloria Gaynor, combined with stories of previous hardships were enough to bring the audience to tears. The strength and perseverance conveyed was awe inspiring, heart wrenching, and gave the audience the opportunity to form a genuine understanding and connection to Velma’s true self.
Supported by incredible pianist Joe Louis Robinson, sleek guitarist Harry Love, gorgeous songstress Eliza Jackson and drummer Jasper Miller who never missed a beat, this incredible team of artists are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Do not miss out on this incredible cabaret/comedy show - for a night of incredible entertainment from start to finish, you just can’t go wrong with Velma Celli.