Presented by Adelaide Fringe Festival
Reviewed 28 February 2018
Trevor Ashley is a multi-faceted performer and drag artist who has built up a stellar career. From starring in popular theatre productions such as Hairspray and The Producers to his own shows like Liza (on an E), Ashley has run the full spectrum of entertainment. Actor, singer and diva worshipper, his talents have seen a slowly building career reach an apex. Recently in Adelaide for his Diamonds Are for Trevor Shirley Bassey tribute show, Ashley is well known to local audiences. His vocal range is amazing as are his quick wit and stylish presentation. He ensures he pays respects to who he impersonates whilst gently mocking some of their more outrageous behaviour. Others such as Cher and Tina Turner haven’t escaped his glittering gaze with their tunes given a fresh sheen in Ashley’s hands.
Presenting a show packed with ‘greatest hits’, Trash and Trevor – The Best of Trevor Ashley is just that. An overview of his career so far, it provides a wicked snapshot for uninitiated audiences. Unfamiliar fans should soon become well-versed ones as Ashely puts on a fantastic show. Backed by a talented three-piece band, he instantly came on stage in a sequined gown commanding attention. With his slightly naughty persona shining through, Ashley successfully became the embodiment of his subjects. Wearing a few spectacular outfits that would make any show queen envious and with a simple switch of wigs, he automatically captured the essence of those he impersonated. In some ways Ashely is the 21st Century version of renowned English entertainer Danny La Rue, with his gift for comedy effectively interwoven within popular songs. The way he twists certain words is uniquely his own with his facial expressions adding much to making you believe for a moment you were seeing the real thing.
From Cher, Liza, Barbara, Tina and others, Trevor Ashley’s range was just as good as the ladies he portrayed. His vocals are quite stunning, with the songs given new life. Diamonds Are Forever, If I could Turn Back Time were among the tunes much appreciated by the small audience. Staged on the night Grace Jones and Queen were in town, Ashley commented on this ‘fusion of talent’ hitting Adelaide. But that didn’t stop him giving a hugely energetic show – one that delighted the ‘intimate’ crowd but would have been the same performance had it been a full house. Ashley is a pro and gave it his all in some hypnotic renditions of classic tracks. But the show was far from a serious musical essay as Ashley chatted a little about his life and the struggle for gay rights over the last 40 years. The latter culminated in an emotional version of the gay anthem I Am What I Am – a defiant clarion call for all walks of life to be themselves and to fight against any adversity.
Unlike other drag artists, Trevor Ashley wasn’t vulgar for the sake of it and didn’t ridicule his audience. That didn’t mean he still lacked any bite as his satirical jabs at certain celebrities were gleefully welcomed. That’s perhaps why he’s lasted the distance than similar performers who fail to understand that constant crudity and nastiness only lasts so far. You have to have style and wit which Ashley has in spades. He infuses class into his show and, while he takes the mickey out of those he impersonates, still clearly respects them as artists. This is a gift so few have with Ashley’s audience interaction a definite highlight – as if he drew energy from those watching him and marvel whenever he frequently hit the high notes.
Given this is one of the few times Ashley has performed at the Fringe, his show was first rate. The variety of divas he had on display ensured his audience were kept entertained and never bored. The fast pace and strong band packed a punch in a production that would appeal to all ages. Next time Ashley returns to Adelaide in a longer season, it would be highly recommended people go and see him strut his stuff. You won’t regret it as the standing ovation from the audience at his latest work showed their appreciation for a performer giving as much enthusiastic energy into their craft just as well as the divas he represented.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Fortuna Spiegeltent at the Garden of Unearthly Delights
Season: 28 February 2018
Duration: 1 hr.
Tickets: N/A.
Bookings: N/A
http://www.trevorashley.com.au/, .
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