We all love first-rate cabaret, and you may remember that one of the hits of last summer was Divas London, a wonderful cabaret show presented by Mr Entertainment, Simon Gross. The good news is Simon is back with the show in 2024 performing through the Spring and Summer on the Tattershall Castle moored next to Victoria Embankment and into Sway in Covent Garden. I was lucky enough to be invited to the press call and photoshoot.
Before starting, I had a quick word with Simon and asked him how he felt about bringing Divas London back. “I am beyond excited to bring Divas London back. We will be showcasing some of London freshest talent in a celebration of phenomenal music and the indomitable spirit of divas across generations. We have three amazing performers in Pritee Almeida, Amber Atkinson and Hayley Maybury who, along with the boys, Jared Stanton and Joshua Dance and co-host Monroe who will fill the West End with music, dance, and unparalleled entertainment that will have everyone on their feet.”
As well as getting a chance to meet the Divas, I also took the opportunity to get into the show with the Director and Co-Host drag queen Monroe who, having graduated from the Guildford School of Acting class of 2017, has been captivating audiences with her dynamic pop-rock performances across London and the UK for the past six years. We started by chatting about Monroe herself and I asked her what it was that attracted her to the art form. “I remember seeing someone in drag for the first time and immediately thought this looks like fun, I want to do it. I love the freedom to express myself and just tit about in a wig.” When asked how Monroe compares to her out of drag personality, she laughs and says “It’s still me, but amped up by about 100%.” Moving on to the show I asked how she would describe Divas London. “I’d say it is a real party show celebrating all the classic divas and some of their biggest anthems. There’s a mix of upbeat numbers and those ballads that you sing along to when you think no-one else can hear. It’s a real, Feel-good show.”
Talking about the show I asked Monroe who is directing as well as co-hosting what she thought would be the high point. “Oh, that’s easy,” she says, “the divas themselves. Amber, Hayley and Pritee all have phenomenal voices, and the songs are amazing” When asked about being the director Monroe tells me. “I’ve loved directing the show as well. As a drag performer, I pretty much direct myself so it’s just translating from how I look after myself to having an overall vision of how things are going to move. I’m very organised as well which really helps.” When asked about her directorial style, Monroe is very open “I’ve had awful experiences and don’t want to put others through a similar experience. I like to let everyone start with their own ideas and then work with them to fine-tune it and produce a finished product we are all happy with. I also love the way we will be staging the show at both venues so that the performers come into the audience and really involve them.”
Finally, I asked Monroe to sum up the show and tell me who would be their favourite musical diva. With no hesitation, she came back with Cher. “She is just iconic. From the early days with Sonny, through pop, stage and screen Cher has had such a full career. As for the show, well I’d sum it up as a nice bit of feel-good escapism. Everyone is having a crappy time right now and London Divas delivers a bit of escapism with good singers and songs.”
After chatting with Monroe and watching the photoshoot, I was lucky enough to attend a rehearsal with the Divas. Monroe said they were good singers, and that must be the understatement of the year. The three performers cover the full range of musical styles. Soul Sister Pritee Almeida, Rock Chic Amber Atkinson and Pop Princess Hayley Maybury brought their wealth of experience and talent to the stage with a range of songs that gave a great indication of what is to come. Believe me when I say if they sounded this good during rehearsal, then they will be phenomenal in the actual performances.
As regular readers will know, I thoroughly enjoyed Divas London last year and having spent the afternoon with Simon, Monroe, and the new Divas, I can’t wait to see the 2024 production.
Divas London runs from the 26th of April until the 23rd of June 2024.
Venue: The Tattershall Castle, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HR
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