Dazzling Divas

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THE SHOW
DIVAS
BIOGRAPHY
REVIEWS/PAST SHOWS

Dazzling Divas, written and performed by triple Olivier nominee Issy van Randwyck is a spellbinding musical journey through the lives of seven incredible talents who left us too soon.

Featuring songs and stories on divas Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Karen Carpenter, Marilyn Monroe, Patsy Cline and Dusty Springfield.

“One of the fizziest talents in British Showbiz – the singing is golden.”

Daily Telegraph

“A superb ‘Tour de Force’ performance, she held the audience in the palm of her hand throughout. The whole evening is SO classy and artistically impressive!”

Mozart to Musicals ★★★★★

The Times ★★★★

Musical Theatre Review ★★★★

Britishtheatre.com ★★★★

All That Dazzles ★★★★

Fairy Powered Productions ★★★★

“Glitter and hard graft. Nobody is fitter for the job than van Randwyck. Brilliant.”

Libby Purves, Theatrecat.com

“You know when a producer calls an actress into his office to discuss a script that isn’t all he has in mind – I’ve slept with producers. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t. But you can’t sleep your way into being a star though. It takes much much more – but it helps” Marilyn Monroe

“You can be up to your boobies in white satin with gardenia’s in your hair and no sugar cane for my miles but you can still be working on a plantation …’ Billie Holiday

Pictures: Andrea Lambis

For more information please contact tina@tinapriceconsultants.com

Eleanora Fagan (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959), better known as Billie Holiday, was an African American jazz singer with a career spanning nearly thirty years. Nicknamed “Lady Day” by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz music and pop singing.

Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer-songwriter who sang rock, soul and blues music. One of the most successful and widely known rock stars of her era, she was known for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and “electric” stage presence.

Cass Elliot (born Ellen Naomi Cohen; September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974), also known as Mama Cass, was an American singer and actress who is best known for having been a member of the Mamas and the Papas. After the group broke up, she released five solo albums.

Karen Anne Carpenter (March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983) was an American singer and drummer who, along with her older brother Richard, was part of the duo the Carpenters. She was praised for her contralto vocals, and her drumming abilities were viewed positively by other musicians and critics.

Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, comedienne, singer, and model. She became one of the world’s most enduring iconic figures and is remembered both for her winsome embodiment of the Hollywood sex symbol and her tragic personal and professional struggles within the film industry.

Patsy Cline (born Virginia Patterson Hensley; September 8, 1932 – March 5, 1963) was an American singer. She is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and was one of the first country music artists to successfully crossover into pop music.

Dusty Springfield was one of the finest singers to emerge from the froth and bubble of the Swinging Sixties. In many ways she epitomised the sound and style of the era. Yet her unique voice, powerful, sensual and rich in passion, had a timeless quality that has proved appealing to new generations of fans.

Triple Olivier nominee actress and singer Issy van Randwyck is best known for her roles in London’s West End including the wonderful A Little Night Music (National Theatre), alongside Dame Judi Dench, Kiss Me Kate (New Shakespeare Company), for which she received an Olivier nomination for Best Supporting Actress, Once in a Lifetime (National Theatre), The Go Between (Apollo Theatre) and Calico (Duke of York’s), The Boy Friend (Menier Chocolate Factory) and earlier this year she starred in Hayfever at Mill on Sonning.

Issy in Hayfever at Mill at Sonning.

Pictured with Adrian Edmonson, at The Menier Chocolate Factory.

Sandy Wilson’s all-singing all-dancing love letter to 1920s musical comedies returned for the first major London revival in over 10 years. Set in Madame Dubonnet’s finishing school in the south of France, these perfect young ladies burst into song at the least provocation, and forbidden boy friends are forever popping through the French windows to sing and dance with them. Since its premiere in 1953, this light-hearted soufflé of a show has delighted audiences worldwide and has become one of the most well-loved British musicals of all time.

★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ Daily Mail ★★★★ Evening Standard

★★★★ Daily Express ★★★★ Sunday Times ★★★★ Daily Telegraph

★★★★ Metro

Issy started her career as the only female singer in the world renowned Madame Jojo’s, before becoming one of the longest serving members of the popular satirical cabaret acts Fascinating Aida, performing sold out shows in New York, Australia, New Zealand and theatres in London including The Garrick Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith, Apollo and Vaudeville Theatre. Issy also sang and toured worldwide with jazz harmonica player Larry Adler and features on the album The Glory of Gershwin, produced by George Martin.

Issy is also a successful screen actress with TV credits including Partners in Crime (BBC1), Kingdom (ITV) and Waiting for God (BBC). Film credits include The Danish Girl, Christopher and his Kind (BBC FILMS), Blithe Spirit, a reimagining of the Noel Coward classic starring Dan Stevens, Dame Judi Dench and Isla Fisher and will feature in the forthcoming popular ITV series Belgravia.