Yummy Deluxe - Interview

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Tue 19 Feb 2019 - Sun 17 Mar 2019

The incredible performers from YUMMY will be coming back to Adelaide for the annual Fringe season, by popular demand!

After kicking all the goals in Adelaide Fringe 2018 by having multiple sold-out shows and touring around the world, YUMMY Deluxe is hoping to entertain Adelaidians with a stellar cast that includes Zelia Rose, who was recently named #1 Burlesque Performer in the world by industry magazine 21st Century Burlesque .

The new and refined cast will also involve skills around drag, hula hooping, dance, music, burlesque, and aerials (to name a few).

I was fortunate enough to conduct an e-interview with Zelia Rose and James Welsby, where we discussed everything that we needed to know about Yummy Deluxe - have a read of our exchange below:

Tema: Who are the key individuals involved with the production of Yummy Deluxe?

%%Zelia Rose, #1 Burlesque artist in the world!

Hannie Helsden, the camp and gorgeous burlesque and circus beauty!

Joni in the Moon, divine singer/ songwriter who has perfect pitch and lungs that won't quit!

Jarred Dewey (Valium), Circus star of Circa, Circus Oz, and La Soireé!

Jandruze, Club legend, designer, drag icon, and collaborator extraordinaire!

and Valerie Hex, director, choreographer, and reincarnated dancing witch!%%

Tema: How did you come up with the concept of Yummy Deluxe?
Zelia & James: We had *so* many requests to bring back certain acts, but we're also passionate about making new work, so we have made a "remix" version of the show that includes YUMMY favourites, and new acts! That's what YUMMY DELUXE is, the classics and the brand spanking new!



Tema: What inspired you to create your show?
Zelia & James: The need for drag to be more inclusive and surprising, while also being the highest of quality!

Tema: What is the basic premise of the show, without giving too much away?
Zelia & James: The show is about how we can all connect with our feminine sides, and how the world can be a better place because of that. We were the first group to mix drag stars and burlesque stars in a show like this, and I think our work speaks volumes about new attitudes toward gender. Plus it's incredibly fun! The show's also about the power of ensemble and the strength of a new definition of "sisterhood."

Tema: What can people expect from your show?
Zelia & James: The unexpected! And the best costumes you've ever seen. AND the most deliciously divine choreography! It's a drag cabaret with no equal.

Tema: Can you please tell us a bit about yourself, Zelia?
Zelia: I'm a multi-disciple dancer, burlesque artist & entertainer. I create lots of solo work & perform in shows around the U.S., Europe & Australia.

Tema: Zelia - How does it feel to achieve the title " #1 Burlesque Performer in the world"?
Zelia: It feels surreal & incredible. It's pushed me into more of a business direction than just being an artist. Now I'm focusing on the bigger picture but also making some of my creative dreams come to life like shooting a dance clip & eventually booking a tour of my own.

Tema: Zelia - How many burlesque shows do you tend to do, over the course of a year? Where do these shows take you around the world?
Zelia: I'm lucky enough to work with the world famous Dita Von Teese, I've been working with her for 2 years and in that time we've done 5 U.S tours, Toured Australia & most recently through Europe. I'm doing shows all the time & travelling on long hauls constantly. My job is incredible & also exhausting. I wouldn't have it any other way though.



Tema: Can you please tell us a bit about yourself, James?
James: I'm a drag artist and choreographer. I have a background in contemporary dance, which I think makes my take on drag a little bit different. I'm the founder and director of YUMMY, which is my baby that has grown into a beautiful crazy toddler!

Tema: James - How did you get into choreography? What about this career attracted your attention?
James: I was obsessed with dance as a kid, and always saw it as a form of moving design - it's like architecture in motion! My biggest choreographic inspirations are Bob Fosse, Hofesh Shechter, and Jonté.

Tema: James - How did you and Zelia meet and what made you collaborate with your individual talents?
James: I was introduced to Zelia through Beni Lola, who is an original cast member of YUMMY. Zelia performed as a guest artist in Beni's act in one of our first seasons, and she was so amazing and breath-taking, we all needed more Zelia in our lives! Zelia fits into YUMMY like a dream, and we are so lucky to have her!

Tema: How did you get involved with the Adelaide Fringe (AF)?
Zelia & James: We felt the magnetic pull, and couldn't stay away! Many of us have performed in AF before in other productions, so we were familiar with the experience, but there's something super special about YUMMY and the audiences we've connected with.



Tema: How would you describe your experience of performing at AF in comparison to performing at Fringe festivals interstate / overseas?
Zelia & James: We've performed in Fringe World (Perth), Melbourne Fringe, and Edinburgh Fringe. All of them are fantastic and have their own unique qualities, but Adelaide is incredibly nostalgic for us and has been the launching pad for much of our follow on bookings. Plus our newest cast member, Jarred Dewey (drag name: Valium), is from Adelaide, born and bred! So we can't wait to show off our local star!

Tema: What are you hoping to experience through your involvement with AF and your time in Adelaide?
Zelia & James: We want to build on what we started last year, but grow much bigger and improve the quality of our work. You can't sit back and kick up your heels, you have to get in the studio and kick in your heels!



Tema: How did you score the venue at the Garden?
Zelia & James: The Garden has been amazing! We applied the first time around and were invited back the second time round. It's a match made in heaven!

Tema: What about the venue piqued your interest, with regards to your show?
Zelia & James: It's a badass venue, for a badass show! The Box is traditionally for live music, and you can really feel the energy. It suits us, and we give the audience a WILD time!

Tema: Is there anything else that you'd like our readers / your visitors to know about you and the show?
Zelia & James: I think we've found some amazing ways to surprise and delight the audience, while also being incredibly inclusive and joyous. People say our show "sparks joy" so Marie Kondo... it stays!!!

Yummy Deluxe will be playing at the Garden of Unearthly Delights from February 19 - March 17.

Book your tix here and don't forget to follow the crew from Yummy Deluxe on their social media platforms: Facebook // Instagram // Twitter .

#adelaide_city
#cabaret
#dancing
#greater_adelaide
#interviews
#shows
#february
!date 19/02/2019 -- 17/03/2019
%wnadelaide