Diamonds are for Trevor: 80th Birthday Edition.

Trevor Ashley (Hairspray and Priscilla) has created a magnificent show that celebrates the career and life of Dame Shirley Bassey. His tribute to the iconic Welsh singer goes well beyond impersonation. Ashley inhabits the persona, and her power and flamboyance are remembered with great irony and humour.

Ashley’s dazzling costuming is curated by the Oscar-winning designer Tim Chappel, and the performance is accompanied by a stunning 24-piece orchestra, conducted by John Foreman, as well as a spectacular light show. The orchestra is truly magnificent and their imposing presence on stage is made an integral part of the performance. The overall effect is magnificent and allows Ashley’s talent to reach great heights of grandeur.

Ashley performs famous tunes such as 'Big Spender', 'Goldfinger', 'Never, Never, Never', 'This is My Life', 'History Repeating' and 'Diamonds are Forever', and he brings these songs back to life in their full glory. Several other songs are included in the repertoire and they are as astonishing as they are surprising. This two-act show has all the glitz and glamour of a lavish Hollywood musical, while Ashley’s raw talent remains at the forefront. The show also manages to revisit a bygone era without too much nostalgia or cynicism. The theatricality of the performance highlights Bassey’s legendary status as musical royalty, and the experience is totally unforgettable.

Patricia Di Risio