Following the success of her previous, sold-out one-woman shows, Pennsylvania Avenue, The Show Goes On and Songs For Nobodies (a hit in both Australia and London), Bernadette Robinson is returning to Australian stages with the World Premiere of her post-pandemic solo tour-de-force, DIVAS.
DIVAS will open at the Playhouse – QPAC, Brisbane on 20 July before playing the Playhouse – Sydney Opera House from 3 August, and the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 24 August 2023.
DIVAS is directed and co-devised by the multi-award-winning Simon Phillips (Priscilla, Queen of The Desert, Love Never Dies, Muriel’s Wedding, The Musical) and this time around it’s all about the songs.
Bernadette’s critically acclaimed, rare vocal gifts (The Times, London called her “a jaw-dropping talent” and The Australian described her performance as “Beyond virtuosity to the sublime”) will detonate every single song in this emotion-fuelled concert.
“I’ve been working with Bernadette for over a decade and my awe at her talent remains undiminished. Every time she opens her mouth to ‘become’ a new singing legend, I shake my head in disbelief,” said Simon Phillips.
“I should be used to it, but it never ceases to amaze and thrill me. And this new show adds a number of brand-new Divas to her repertoire, which makes it doubly exciting.”
The show will be an in-depth, full-on musical journey through the repertoire of ten of our greatest popular music DIVAS including Edith Piaf, Amy Winehouse, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Maria Callas, Kate Bush, Dolly Parton, Karen Carpenter Miley Cyrus and Judy Garland.
Robinson will inhabit their most famous songs and their musings on life, music, audiences and their individual challenges and triumphs.
“In DIVAS, I aspire to bring to life ten of the most wondrous voices of our time. Each singer is so utterly thrilling. To honour them through my own voice and heart is an enormous challenge and a privilege,” said Bernadette Robinson.
With backing from a band of superb musicians and Simon Phillips’ masterful direction, Robinson’s audacious and dramatic vocal evocations of each of the DIVAS will dazzle and delight.
Sydney based Producer, Harley Medcalf (Burn the Floor, Barry Humphries, Billy Connolly) is once again the driving force behind this new show, ensuring the very best production values provide for a superb night’s entertainment.
“I love the theatrical twist of one plus one equals three, it reflects the stage magic of the Robinson/Phillips partnership,” said Harley Medcalf.
Bernadette Robinson: DIVAS
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, Cnr Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank (Brisbane)
Season: 20 – 23 July 2023
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
Playhouse – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 3 – 6 August 2023
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 24 – 27 August 2023
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.duetgroup.com for details.
Image: Bernadette Robinson stars in DIVAS (supplied)