Bernadette Robinson is back with a new stage show which will blow you away. It certainly impressed this writer and her guest. The spontaneous standing ovation given by The Playhouse, QPAC audience at the end of this Opening Night performance showed that we were not alone. Divas, directed by Simon Phillips, is a tribute to the musical divas we know and love. With well loved songs from ten iconic divas from Kate Bush, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, Edith Piaf, Amy Winehouse and more, there was something for every musical taste. She Society felt privileged to have been invited to this special performance.
The lovely Bernadette Robinson was accompanied by a three piece band and as we heard the opening bars of Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights, goosebumps informed me that I was in for a good night. As the spotlight turned on Bernadette all eyes watched as she transformed into Kate Bush. Highlights like Running Up That Hill, made famous again since the Stranger Things TV series, were interspersed with stories from Kate’s life. This fabulous performance set the scene and tone for the show.
From the powerful and sultry voice of Shirley Bassey belting out Diamonds Are Forever to the sweetness of Karen Carpenter, who found insecurity in the spotlight, we were taken on a musical journey across time and continents. Edith Piaf’s signature tunes tugged at the emotions, while the operatic tones of Maria Callas threatened to blow the ceiling off.
My very favourites were the songs of Amy Winehouse, Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus, who came in like a wrecking ball. Bernadette captured the pure essence of these legendary performers as she took the audience on a musical voyage through time meeting these incredible women along the way. We were in awe of her extraordinary talent and her ability to replicate such a range of voices caused us to marvel. Broadway World have described it as “ a treat not to be missed.” While the Times UK hails Bernadette Robinson as a “jaw -dropping talent”.
Whether you’ve seen Bernadette in her previous sell out seasons of one – woman musical plays : Songs For Nobodies, The Show Goes On and Pennsylvania Avenue or are coming along for the first time, like me, you will be astounded by the versatility of one of Australia’s best singer/ actresses. Divas will be touring Australia with their next stop a ten day stint from August 3 at the iconic Sydney Opera House, then onto Fairfax Studio Melbourne from August 24.
In Divas Bernadette Robinson’s explosive voice brings to life some of the most wondrous and varied voices of our time. This exciting show gives audiences great insight into these famous women singers. I was proud to learn that QPAC supported the creative development of Divas as it was a wonderful show from start to finish. If you get a chance to see it you won’t be disappointed. It was like no show I’ve ever seen. Divas was fun and insightful but most of all inspiring. It kept me singing and dancing the whole weekend. A pure delight!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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