Stella Artois has been entertaining at the Mardi Gras since 1999 bringing her own unique sense of wit and charm that have made her a legend in her own lunch time! Her live vocals and quick sense of humour have bought crowds flocking from as far afield as Fleetwood and Preston.!
Joking aside Stella Artois is amongst the elite in live cabaret and her renowned Sunday Show has become an institution for both locals and visitors alike.
At 17 Stella played her first summer season in Blackpool’s south pier with Des O’Connor and Jack Douglas, in the days of the 26 week season, with shows twice daily.
Two years later she became principle dancer for the Nottingham Ballet Company which took her all over the world. This was followed by a call for an audition for My Fair Lady, and since then she has performed under many directors!!!!
Her credits include: Billy: Drury Lane; Me and My Girl: Adelphi, featuring Robert Lindsey and Emma Thompson; Les Miserables: Palace theatre and Kiss me Kate: the Royal Shakespeare Company; Sweeney Todd on Broadway and London. Other credits include West Side Story, Grease, Annie, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Side by Side By Sondheim, Gigi and Gypsy.
In the 80’s she became one of the leading artists at London’s Madam Jojos, from there she embarked on the international cabaret circuit, dragging herself all over the world.
By 1997, Stella’s greatest role was the part of Alban in La Cage Aux Folles. Critics praised her performance as one of the most exiting and wrote “If any artist deserves a standing ovation and the clap....it’s her!”
In 1999 Stella returned to Blackpool to Mardi Gras for a six week period and is now in her ninth year.
Stella hosted legends on Central Pier for Trevor Chance in 2003 while still appearing at the Mardi Gras.
Stella continues to help raise funds for local charities such as ‘The Heal Project’ Body Positive Blackpool and last year sang the title song for Blackpool Pride Born Free.
Catch up with Stella every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Mardi Gras.
Copyright ©Gary Burns Photography