Trevor Ashley – Queen of the Moment
Lyric Theatre
9th Oct 2023
“Australian drag diva, cabaret legend and musical theatre star Trevor Ashley makes his triumphant return to the West Endwith a brand new show, ‘Queen of the Moment’. This marks Trevor’s 3rd West End show following ‘Liza (on and E)’ and ‘Liza’s Back! (is Broken)’ Trevor Ashley will lift the curtain on what really happens when you travel halfway across the world to shoot a reality television programme when you’re a control freak with absolutely no control!The evening features songs and stories from his hit TV show ‘Queen of the Universe,’ including ‘Get the Party Started,’ ‘The Rose,’ and ‘River Deep, Mountain High,’ in addition to Trevor’s amazing tributes to Shirley Bassey and Liza Minnelli.Working with a sensational 8-piece band, expect a night of laughs, gay anthems and powerhouse vocals, as Trevor traverses the antipodes to the West End with his trademark wit and self-deprecation.
Review by Richard Lambert, 3 Stars
Trevor graciously held a meet and greet session, in a small reception room, before the show. Very nice to meet the man in person up close and personal along with an opportunity to take a selfie.
Shortly following the meet and greet, the show started. Trevor had changed and joined the 8 piece band with musical director on keys on the stage, opening with a few musical anthems.
What a terrific voice! Absolutely wonderful! Some good song choices such as song sets from Bette Midler, Shirley Bassey and Liza, including “Hey Big Spender”, “Diamonds are forever” and my favourite “The Rose.”
Sadly, the inner-ear monitor seemed to be bothering Trevor and he fiddled with it throughout the 1st half, and mentioned it and continued fiddling with it in the 2nd half. Each song would leave Trevor quite breathless causing him to struggle a little with the audience patter. The sound mix wasn’t great, the lighting was stylish enough but served the same gobo pattern on the back cloth throughout, and the haze built and ebbed for no apparent reason that I could determine.
The style of the show was very definitely “concert” and he does take the patter and his performance more seriously than one might expect for a drag artist. With the static 9 piece band all dressed in black it’s a tough sell for one performer to hold an audience with song after song but he did manage to achieve this. He’s no Danny la Rue though – there are no stunning costume changes, set pieces, choreography or male dancers escorting him. Something a little extra might have helped.
The show ticks many boxes and Trevor is extremely personable with a powerhouse voice.
Further information:
Trevor AshleyQueen of the Moment Lyric TheatreShaftesbury Avenue London W1D 7ESMonday October 9 at 7.30pmrunning time: 2hrs including intervalage recommendation: 16+Tickets from £30Booking link:www.nimaxtheatres.comBooking Number0330 333 4812Website www.trevorashley.com.au SOCIAL MEDIATwitter: @Trevor_AshleyInstagram: Trevor_Ashley