BBD Productions invites Edinburgh Fringe-goers to an evening of live music, celebrating the most renowned divas of the movie and musical world. Audiences can find ‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ running at Rose Theatre (the Main Stage) from 18th – 28th August at 10.30pm.
Beginning with the overall look of the show, it’s gorgeous. (Flameless) candles line the auditorium as cocktail glasses and candelabras decorate three high tables. The backdrop is a blend of red and blue lighting. All these details come together to create a warm, classy atmosphere that nicely compliments the glittering dresses and chic suits worn by the singers throughout the show.
The vocals are simply divine. Dannielle Logan, Nicola Meehan, Rachel Flynn, Sarah Innes and Jessica Nolan are all singers with distinct voices and indisputable talent. They deliver each number with a passion and stage presence that is transfixing. They create beautiful harmonies as a group and flourish in their solo spots. A standout number is ABBA’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’. A song that is extremely popular yet so often it gets sung in the same way. However, there’s a power behind this rendition along with an appraoch that makes the song seem almost new. It makes for an incredible performance.
In truth every number of this show is impactful and well-placed. At no point is there a dip in energy or crack in confidence. As an audience member you feel at ease watching these women. Other numbers that are particularly noteworthy include the opening song, ‘Let Me Be Your Star’ from Smash, ‘Into The Unknown’ from Frozen 2, ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’ by Celine Dion and a medley of songs from The Greatest Showman.
It’s also important to give high praise to the members of the band who accompany the performers. Rachel Blaquière, Millie Donnachie, Katherine Marsh, Alanna Hall and Misty-Jo Pett-Raus play superbly. Their collective talents add to the excitement of the livelier songs and enhance the emotional depth of the ballads. The sound balance is excellent too, ensuring that at no point do the voices or instruments overpower each other. (This is something that’s often a risk in musical concerts and cabarets and negatively affect an audience’s experience.) Plus, in shows that have no pause for dialogue, the band have a major influence over the pacing and for this show…the pacing is perfect. It’s hard to believe that all their numbers fitted into an hour’s runtime. Then when the show ends, you’re left quietly hoping there’s more!
‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ is a musical delight and a showcase of utterly stunning vocal skill. I sincerely hope this production receives sell-out audiences for the remainder of its run.
Tickets:
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/divas-from-stage-to-screen
Theatre Scotland 
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