About Madame Chandelier
Madame Chandelier is a cabaret character, developed and performed by Canadian opera singer and comedian Delea Shand. She is currently developing a new show where the audience can choose their own destiny!
Delea has written and performed four critically acclaimed solo shows. Madame Chandelier Saves Opera (2024), Madame Chandelier’s Opera Party for Kids (2023), Madame Chandelier’s Opera House Party (2022), Madame Chandelier’s Rough Guide to the Opera (2019).
madame chandelier saves opera
Ever wondered why every single opera is about a woman getting killed? Or worse, married? Opera needs to change and Madame Chandelier is rewriting the stories. Because why would you die, when you could slay?
★★★★ FEST
“rewriting opera’s most famous narratives with an extraordinary voice” Si Hawkins
★★★★ Northwest End
“full of charisma…a performance like no other” Angela Kelly
photo and poster design by Karla Gowlett
Photo by Adrian Tauss Design by Alexis Debus
madame chandelier’s opera party for kids
Dazzling divas! Dramatic death scenes! Hilarious high notes! Experience opera’s greatest hits and learn about the characters, in this interactive introduction with Madame Chandelier. Will you meet an evil queen who sings way too high, a princess who can’t stop crying, or a priestess who’s always on fire? Anything could happen at the opera party, and you’re invited!
★★★★★ get your coats on
“Get your opera capes on and go see this!”
poster design Paul Flannery, photos by Adrian Tauss
madame chandelier’s opera house party
Have you ever wondered where the best divas go, in between getting married or getting killed, night after night at the opera house? Madame Chandelier’s Opera House Party, of course.
Brunnhilde, Carmen, Tosca – they’ve been before. Once you’ve been, you’ll want to go “encore”. Join Madame Chandelier, and all her favourite opera characters, for jokes, party games, and lots of dramatic death scenes.
★★★★ The Observer
“she galloped through the Queen of the Night, Carmen, Traviata, Butterfly, with expert timing. Madame Chandelier – Canadian opera singer-comedian Delea Shand – is smart, has empathy, and can sing. Making music funny is a fool’s game, but she managed.” Fiona Maddocks
★★★★ The Scotsman
“infectiously bonkers, family-friendly reworking of operatic lore” Ben Walters
★★★★ Broadway baby
“a true diva… phenomenal… Madame Chandelier could be the ticket that opens up opera to new audiences.”
★★★★★ Musical Theatre Review
“this is a hilarious and madcap cabaret presided over by the incredibly talented and seemingly inexhaustible Delea Shand, who, working from a solitary suitcase of props, delights and entertains without stopping to catch a breath.” Fraser Grant
Madame Chandelier’s Rough Guide to the Opera
Nominated for: BEST COMEDY SHOW and BEST NEWCOMER, Manchester Fringe 2019
“entertaining and very funny.” ★★★★ North West End
“Whether you’re a seasoned opera-goer or a complete newbie to the art form, Madame Chandelier’s Rough Guide to the Opera has something for you.” Fest
“Engaging, sharp-witted, brilliant” Fringe Review
“A startling achievement” British Theatre Guide
ONLINE SHOWS
Back in 2020 (remember that?) Madame Chandelier took her show OFF the road and put it straight onto the internet. Her monthly/bi-monthly show was produced by Opera on Tap.
