What happens when three girls form a band, singing the fabulous harmonies of some of the most famous girl bands of all time? A lot of fun, drama and mayhem, that’s what! But will they defy history and stay together? After the award-winning success of the Piano Chicks series of cabaret shows over the last seven years, Becky Blake, the front woman for Adelaide cover band Chunky Custard, is back with her brand new show, Girl Power Collective.
As part of the 2019 Adelaide Fringe Becky will team up with two other iconic local singers, Sarah Lloyde (The Voice/ Australian Idol) and Chloe Castledine (The Cast) to perform in the show she has written, produced and directed, Girl Power Collective. The playlist includes music from the best girl bands in history; The Andrews Sisters, The Supremes, Bananarama, The Shangri-Las, Destiny’s Child, The Bangles, En Vogue, The Exciters and everybody’s favourite, The Spice Girls. The girls are dressed and styled by another iconic local, Liza Emanuele with further accessories provided by Adelaide Costume Shop.
Girl Power Collective is a 75-minute cabaret and will play Sunday 17th February at 7pm and Friday 22nd February at 8pm at the Arkaba Hotel, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February at 5pm at Live at Tandanya’s Third Space and at 7:30pm at the Domain Theatre at the Marion Cultural Centre on Saturday 9th March. The girls will also perform at the Fringe opening night festivities on the banks on the River Torrens.
Becky says, “We each play a different character with separate agendas; Sarah’s character is power hungry, mine has issues with her Mum and Chloe’s just wants to get married! Of course it’s all going to implode!” But working in an all-girl band is not all smooth sailing; in fact, in real life Girl Power Collective has already had one line up change before they’ve done their first performance!
“The show highlights the ups and downs of working in a girl band”, Becky says. “There’s difficulties dealing with different personalities and lifestyles at times. But at the end of the day, female friendship is so special and singing these songs together gives me goosebumps!”
Becky has enjoyed a colourful and versatile musical career, working internationally in some of Australasia’s most prestigious venues and on cruise ships. Becky continues to perform as a soloist and in floorshows and as a feature artist for major events. She regularly works in her various Piano Chicks and other cabaret shows, and with Chunky Custard, alongside husband Ian Blake.
With a strong, soulful voice, Sarah Lloyde made it to the top 16 of Australian Idol in 2007 and in 2012 she made it to the top 24 of The Voice Australia, where she was controversially knocked out in the Battle Rounds. In 2015 Sarah competed in the iPop New Faces talent search in Los Angeles, winning ‘Best Overall Singer’ and other revered awards.
Chloe’s Castledine’s song, Don’t Forget Me, was included in the feature film 2:37 and was included in the Cannes Film Festival 2006. Her voice was used as the character Bubbles the Beach Fairy for children’s television show The Fairies. Chloe works as a director/producer on larger scale corporate events, most notably Civic Park Carols.