Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 18 June 2015
Trevor Ashley is a Drag Queen (when he’s not appearing as a man in the current touring production of Les Miserables); but his cabaret show certainly doesn’t drag, nor does his energy level flag.
Ashley opens his latest act singing Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman, and for the next hour and fifteen minutes he very nearly is – or at least most Divas who have ever warbled internationally.
The man’s frame is large but needs to be to house his masterful (or should that be mistressful(?) ) voice. His incredible range makes every song a powerful, reverberating hit.
All the sensational female virtuosos are included; from Cher, with a powerhouse version of John Farnham’s You’re The Voice (seemingly this year’s cabaret song favourite); through Bette Midler singing From A Distance from a distance and a beautiful, truthful version of The Rose; to Shirley Bassey brilliantly belting out Diamonds Are Forever and As Long As He Needs Me – plus a few surprises. If you have ever wanted to be in an 80s video clip with Bonnie Tyler, this could be your lucky break.
Ashley shows his versatility with every number, not the least though, when he sings a duet with himself as Judy Garland and Liza Minelli – absolutely brilliant stuff!
Even though I’m Every Woman has what seems like 300 costume changes complete with 400 wigs, we do get to glimpse the man under the glitz and mascara – when he’s not paying out Whitney Houston and Lady Gaga that is.
If you’ve never seen a drag show, go and see how an expert does it: if you have seen a drag show, go see how an expert does it!
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Space Theatre Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 18 – 20 June 2015
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Tickets: $39.90 – $49.90
Bookings: Book online through www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au or phone BASS on 131 246
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