Brought to you from the folken that brought you ‘Thriller’ comes ‘Respect La Diva’. Directed by Adrian Grant and staring Andy Abraham, Denise Pearson, Zoe Birkett, Sheila Ferguson , and Katy Setterfield ‘Respect La Diva’ is a fast paced flick through of the worlds most well known Diva recordings. Featuring songs by Dusty Springfield, Etta James, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Tina Turner to name but a few the show is as much a live band experience as it is a musical spectacular.

The set designed by the renowned Jonathan Park features a split level stage display with three staircases and incorporating the band to the left and centre stage tucked into the stairwells. Top stage also features a large screen on which video clips and themed images are displayed.

The costumes are every aspiring Diva’s dream. They are something lovely to behold and enhance the four lead singers in all the ways you imagine they should. Full marks must be given to the sumptuous wardrobe department because the over all effect, with quick changes a plenty, was fabulous and stunning when combined with the lighting designed by Paul Moorhouse.

Philip Clusky obviously knows what he’s doing as the sound for the show was perfectly mixed over all though there were one or two ‘preview’ moments. The band sounded fantastic and there were a couple of nice little solos from the guitar and trumpet player. The backing singers were marvellous, particularly the red haired one who has a terrific voice.

Vocally speaking all four lead singers were on high form but some outstanding moments were Zoe Birkett singing the Etta James classic ‘At Last’, Sheila Ferguson covering Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’, and a thought provoking ‘Memories’ by Katy Setterfield to the big screen playing images of Diva’s gone but not forgotten. Unfortunately the songs performance suffered from the audience clapping as different faces appeared behind her ending with the biggest cheer of all for Amy Winehouse. Denise Pearson’s voice on the song following ‘If I Were A Boy’ by Zoe Birkett was truly amazing and probably the best singular vocal delivery that evening.

Andy Abraham played the part of host very well and gave us a bit of a surprise involving the audience in his versions of ‘Man’s World’, and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’. There was also some side story fun with one of the sound crew girls who wanted to become a Diva.

‘Respect La Diva’s underlying theme based around the work of charity organisation Refuge came through very well without being overpowering. The show ended fittingly on the song ‘Respect Yourself’ before a standing ovation from the audience brought the cast back on for a three song encore of ‘I Will Survive’, ‘We Are Family’, and ‘Sisters Doing It For Themselves’.

‘Respect La Diva’ is sure to be a big hit with aspiring Diva’s and music fans of all ages. Don’t be surprised if this one runs a long time.

Viper 8/9/2011

Respect La Diva Preview In Depth Track By Track

_______________________________________________

All images & text ©Viperslair.co.uk

All rights reserved.

Any un-authorized publication of texts, parts of texts, or images, may result in legal action.

Publishing permission can be obtained from Viperslair.co.uk by written request only.

First Published 8/9/2011 by Viperslair.co.uk

Web Site Design by Vipernet.biz 2003 - 2011