When it comes to theatre and cabaret, Trevor Ashley has done it all. He played Thenardier in Les Miserables (for which he received a Helpmann Award nomination), Edna Turnblad in David Atkins’ Hairspray, he was an original cast member of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical, and has done countless original cabaret shows. Trevor is also currently slaying it on the Paramount+ smash hit show Queen of the Universe.
Over the closing weekend of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Trevor is bringing his hugely popular show Showqueen with Trevor Ashley to town.Â
Trevor spoke to Glam Adelaide about his Cabaret Festival show as well as what it’s been like to work on Queen of the Universe.
“It was an extraordinary experience, I have to say. I was very nervous going into it because I’ve never done reality television before, but going in and doing this show has been amazing. Also working at the level of production and with the amazing team that put it together. To stand there and work with Graham Norton and then be judged by four true All Stars is quite amazing. The feedback has been fantastic and people have certainly got right behind it. I’m excited to see how it unfolds.”
In October 2022, Trevor directed a hugely successful production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert — The Musical on the Gold Coast. The cast was star studded, including Paulini, Carlotta and Adelaide’s own Vonni.
“I think there’s so many things about the show that I love. It’s about Sydney drag and the history of Sydney drag, and I am a part of that now. When I first saw the film, I was 13 years old and hadn’t ever really seen drag before. I just fell in love with that in the film – it’ll always be very special to me. Many years later, I got to perform in the musical for over 600 performances across Australia in the original Australian cast. It’s a pretty amazing show for me.”
For years, Trevor has been writing, directing and starring in some amazing cabaret shows. He shared what it is about cabaret that he loves.
“I love the fact that you get to connect so intimately with an audience. You get to make them laugh, you can make yourself be the leading lady if you want to, you have the freedom to do whatever you like. The Adelaide Cabaret Festival is always such an incredible environment because everybody’s always so up for the party and willing to get involved and see lots of shows. So I think that’s what’s so wonderful about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and cabaret in general. It’s just fabulous when you can work it in giant rooms and small rooms, but still have a huge connection with your audience.”
Trevor’s sensational cabaret Showqueen with Trevor Ashley is the perfect way to round out this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival, with two big evenings of performances.
“It’s a variety show we’ve been doing in Sydney for many years. It’s really fantastic and it will be a fun night out. You’ll get to see a variety of artists. There will be four guest artists with me each night, so the show changes over the two nights of the festival. It’s fun, it’s up tempo, it’s funny, it’s naughty and I think that people will really enjoy the fact that it’s me and Bev Kennedy and then a bunch of my friends. Some of them are in the festival and some of them are not.”
Season 2 of Queen of the Universe is now streaming on Paramount+ .
Showqueen with Trevor Ashley will be playing in the Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre on 23 – 24 June at 10.30pm. Further details and tickets can be found at: https://cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/show-queen-with-trevor-ashley .
Interviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: John McRae
