Review: Velma Celli’s God Save the Queens at York Theatre Royal

Friday, 15th September 2023 at York Theatre Royal

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Ian Stroughair once more takes to the York Theatre Royal stage as alter ego Velma Celli – this time with a show celebrating “pop royalty”: God Save the Queens.

Celli’s style is very much that classic brand of cabaret in which the audience is treated as old both friends and additional musical accompaniment for key numbers. This particular show lands somewhere between a good old fashioned piano party with close pals and a late night gig at our local – there’s definitely a sense of low-key bar banter and this impression deepens as the show goes on. The patter between songs is easy and charismatic, peppered with barbed one liners and playful quips, and there are some real highlights with audience interaction.

Despite the evident affection for the star of the show, this Friday night crowd did need a bit of cajoling to keep up with the high energy on stage, but Celli never really falters, despite playing up the exhausted diva act. With a set list ranging from Adele and Amy Winehouse to Annie Lennox and Sinead O’Connor, the vocal demands are high and Stroughair’s vocals are great – particularly when nailing powerful belts and impressive high notes. I particularly loved the Queen medley finale – a perfect finish to God Save the Queens and an excellent opportunity for sending the audience home on a high. Special guests Jessica Steel and Stuart Allan also provide some lovely duet opportunities, and as with the last Celli show I saw, Steel is a very welcome addition and a stellar vocalist in her own right.

That said, some patchiness with sound did undercut some songs when lyrics were lost and the sharp twangs of the guitarist somehow hijacked gentler verses. The show overall is at times rough around the edges, production and sound-wise, but Celli is a treat to watch and is completely in her element centre stage. Ultimately, an evening spent with Velma Celli is an evening well-spent, and there’s a lot of fun to be had.

This was a one night only event, but more gigs and concerts are on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements via Velma Celli’s Instagram page.

Images: Sophie Eleanor