Lavish and loud, brazen and bold, Trevor Ashley premieres his brand-new show Trash & Trevor at NORPA this week. Featuring highlights from his sell-out cabaret shows I’m Every Woman and Star Struck with recollections from Priscilla and Les Miserables, TrAshley will sing your favourite divas like you’ve never heard them before.
What was the inspiration for Trash & Trevor?
Well I have now been a full-time cabaret artist for 20 years. It’s slightly horrifying but it’s a hoot. Certainly there are many tales to tell and stupid stories to regale… it’s been a wonderful 20 years.
What are the songs that you prefer to sing? Is it important to do the obvious recognisable ones; do you also like to go for the more obscure songs?
I love singing classic diva songs, but I also love parody and comedy, so it’s a mix of everything I enjoy performing. There’ll be a tonne of songs you know, but there’ll be some you’ve never heard in quite this way before!
What makes a diva a diva? Is Taylor Swift a Diva? Could she be one? What would she need to do?
Tay Tay is a bit young to be a proper diva. You need some runs on the board I think. Mariah and Celine are now true divas. It’s a lifestyle, an attitude, and and air. You learn that through experience… and being really difficult!
When did you know that you were a diva? It’s clearly a calling!
Well you have to make the decision to be one! I wanted desperately to emulate my favourite stars, so it seemed the right career path. I hope I’m nicer than most of them… but don’t catch me in a bad mood! My love of sequins and big hair has certainly helped also.
How has the broader conversation around gender informed your audiences? Are you starting to see more people coming to your shows?
Do you know, I have been lucky enough to perform in such a variety of venues that my audiences have always been very mixed. Although I enjoy great support from the LGBTQI community, some of my greatest fans are straight couples in their 60s. Drag is loved in Australia.
Will you be making an appearance at Tropical Fruits for NYE?
Sadly, no! I have a gig back home in Sydney but I’m coming in a day early and hanging a day after so I hope to see lots of friends.
What should we expect for your Lismore show?
Great music, a hot band, and a lot of laughs. It truly is my greatest hits, so expect everything from numbers when I started my career at the Imperial Hotel, through big musicals and, of course, my concerts such as Diamonds Are For Trevor.
Trash & Trevor – The Best of Trevor Ashley at Lismore City Hall on Friday 29 December at 8pm.
NORPA at Lismore City Hall
Tickets: $40–50
Bookings: www.norpa.org.au or 1300 066 772.
Patron advice: Recommended for ages 18+.
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