Who is Trevor Ashley?
I’m not really sure anymore, I’ve been so many different people. All I know is that I’m fabulous!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I doubt I’d do anything different… My life and work is pretty much as I hoped it would be.
Who inspires you and why?
The showbiz divas (many of whom I impersonate) truly inspire me for their guts and longevity. I hope that I’m still doing this when I’m actually Shirley Bassey’s age.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I like to think I’d end world hunger… but I’d have no idea how to go about it… except to eat less.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Sitges in Spain. It’s like a gay seaside resort town with fabulous beaches, restaurants and bars. It’s heaven on (gay) earth.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I usually take them to Opera Bar under the Sydney Opera House. It’s Sydney’s best view.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Patti LuPone’s autobiography.
What are you currently listening to?
My darling friend Emma Pask’s new album Season of my Heart. It’s stunning.
Happiness is?
Great friends and great food. Nothing beats it…
What does the future hold for you?
Well work wise it’s going to be Diamonds are for Trevor at Arts Centre Melbourne and the new production of Les Miserables. After that? Hopefully more of the same; travel, work and parties. I’m having a ball…
Trevor Ashley is often described as ‘the busiest man in Australian show-business’. Whether it be as a writer, musical director, performer or producer – there truly is no end to his talents.
He made his big-budget musical theatre debut creating the role of ‘Miss Understanding’ in the world premiere production of Priscilla Queen of The Desert – The Musical, Other production have included Jerry Springer the Opera (Sydney Opera House) and Hairspray as Edna Turnblad. Trevor will be playing the coveted role of Monsieur Thenadier in the new Australian production of Les Miserables .
His career in cabaret has led him to perform in New York, London and across Asia, in shows both as himself and in a dazzling array of characters and impersonations including the controversial Liza (On an E). With his long time collaborator Phil Scott, he created the Adults-Only Pantos Fat Swan and Little Orphan TrAshley, and his tribute to Dame Shirley Bassey, Diamonds are for Trevor.
For his show, I’m Every Woman he won the Sydney Theatre Award and the Telegraph’s Insider Award for best cabaret. As a producer, Trevor created the phenomenon Showqueen, having showcased over a hundred cabaret performers and played to constant full houses at the Supper Club in Sydney for almost two years.
Named one of the 25 most influential Gay and Lesbian Australians in 2011, he has directed two Hats Off concerts and created and directed the World AIDS Day Concert, which has raised over $100,000 for ACON. Trevor has also made numerous television appearances.
Trevor will be performing his show, Diamonds are for Trevor for a limited season from 28 January to 2 February 2014 at Arts Centre Melbourne. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Trevor Ashley