EDINBURGH 2014 - BWW INTERVIEWS: Velma Celli!

West End performer Ian Stroughair discusses bringing his renowned cabaret act Velma Celli to the Edinburgh Fringe festival 2014 and collaborating with Christina Bianco in Divallusion.

Is this your first visit to the Edinburgh Fringe? If so, what are your expectations?

It is my first time indeed. Well, actually I choreographed a new musical for the festival a few years back, but this is mine and Velma's debut up there. I cannot wait. It has been an ambition to play this festival for years and finally it is happening with the best possible co star, musical director and producer. My expectations are that it will be an incredible experience and that (crosses everything) people will embrace Christina and I and join in the madness of our world!

What can you tell us about Divallusion?

That it is possibly the most jam-packed Diva revue show of all time!

How did your collaboration with Christina Bianco come about?

Well, we became friends online first. I had followed her work for years and got in touch for no other reason than to tell her how wonderful she is and that the UK love her and want her to cross that pond ASAP to perform for us all. Then.... It happened and I hosted her show at the Hippodrome... I was able to sit back at witness the incredible response, the UK embraced her and they discovered a star and for me, a friend for life.

Who is your favourite diva?

I would have to say I adore Babs...mainly because she embodies everything that a true diva has which is her ability to mould and change with the times, try new stuff no matter now risky but more importantly... she has killer pipes!

You're doing a limited run of The Velma Celli Show after Divallusion - what are the differences with your solo performance?

I do not want to give too much away but it's really all about the journey I have been on creating this character, what makes her tick, what influences her and really just a celebration of everything I love!

Are there any other shows you're hoping to go and see at the festival?

There are way too many to pick one... Christina and I are hoping to see as many shows as possible. For me I am hoping to catch some really good Shakespeare.

Previews for Divallusion start on July 31st and the show runs at the Edinburgh Fringe festival until August 21st.

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