“Spine tingling vocals that touch the heart”
**** 4 Stars
Edinburgh Fringe Stalwarts BBD Productions have enjoyed critical and commercial success with their “Divas” concerts which bring together the cream of female and non binary talent to the heart of the festival in late night concert reviews that bring the quality of the west end mixed with the legendary New York supper clubs making them a firm favourite for their audiences who have taken the show to their hearts.
Diva’s are now reaching beyond the realms of the festival season having launch a serious of monthly fundraising performances at Dirty Martini with the April show raising money for Maggies charity. Four sublime Diva’s Rachel White, Georgia Fordyce, Halla Eaglesham and Danielle Logan take to the stage to deliver near two hours of spine tingling vocals that touch the heart.
The performance features a plethora of songs drawn from musical theatre, film classic and pop icons. Each of the four ladies get there moment to shine in the spotlight, whilst also supporting each other on the duets and with the backing vocals across the show.
Particular highlights include a thrilling medley from the queen of country Dolly Parton that sets the evening off to a great pace. Eaglesham and Fordyce duet on a marvellously moving mash up of “Happy days are here again/ Get Happy” they would truly have made Judy Garland proud. Rachel White delivers an emotional tribute to Tina Turner with a ballad rendition of “Simply the Best” with Danielle Logan giving real power to “Heart of Stone”.
At the opening of Act two the ladies are joined by special guest star Becky Bryant who is currently in Edinburgh with the UK tour of Pretty Woman the Musical. Bryant adds real west end polish to the evening with her trio of songs that showcase her voice in all its glory and she holds the audience in the palm of her hands. Utterly wonderful to watch.
Over all Divas does what it does incredibly well however on this particular occasion the set list was very ballad heavy with songs which normally are up tempo are being slowed down. While these do showcase the incredible vocals of all the performers there has to be light amongst the shade so a few more up tempo song choices wouldn’t have gone amiss.
That being said this was a stylish evening of music that delivered true value for money whilst raising much needed funds for a charity close the Diva’s hearts. BBD productions have confirmed that the next monthly concert will take place in May plus the exciting news these ladies are preparing to return to the Fringe for this year’s seasons we can all expect big things from this gifted and talented company of singing stars.
Pretty Woman the Musical Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs Ended
Monthly residence continues at Dirty Martini at Le Monde.
ScotsGay Arts 