'The Pavarotti & The Diva' - A unique up-close personal celebration of the man himself

People's reaction twhen they hear the word ‘Opera’ is that it's for the elite only, when in actual fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth, this is an art form that everyone can enjoy and be moved by emotionally. Tenor Roger Davy gives us the inside scoop of Pavarotti and the Diva.

Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

The show celebrates the life of the great Luciano Pavarotti, the man, and his music, his unique style glamour and magic, all with a touch of romance and comedy. Let the voices of our world class tenor & soprano combination spellbind you with popular melodies from opera, from Operettas to the wonderful world of Popera Duets, including songs by Andrea Boccelli and Sarah Brightman such as The Prayer, Time to say Goodbye, Brindisi and Nessun Dorma.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?  

After successful performances and audience experiences when we performed the show for the first time in the upstairs Dress Circle Bar of Her Majesty Theatre with just red curtain, we knew that it could be performed almost anywhere. We also discovered that because the intimate nature of the performance, there was an opportunity for the guests to be able to sit back and relax and enjoy a wine and cheese during the show. In ticking all those boxes in finding a venue in Brisbane close to CBD we discovered the Sideshow Westend was ideal.

What is your creative process like?

My performing career spans over 30 years from Opera Australia to the Ten Tenors. I have a passion for bringing classical music to the people, having performed a ‘Pavarotti tribute’ for many one-off corporate events, and as part of a bigger touring show called Broadway to Pavarotti, singing many of his popular songs like Nessun Dorma. I saw that there was an opportunity to create a show that celebrated his music, but also the man himself and the fun and cheeky banter that ensued when he sang with famous leading lady soprano divas.

Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?

It was a family love of opera and of musicals that was the catalyst of my career. As a child, I would listen to the original broadcast recordings from the major musicals from Broadway. We had the opportunity to hear the music in the house – my grandfather was also a singer and sang classically. My grandparents lived next door to us. We had Sunday soirees. Grandma would play the pianola, and granddad would sing. Mum was a great Frank Sinatra fan. I have theatre in my blood. So transitioning to music theatre and transitioning to opera was a given.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

I think anyone who loves cabaret, opera, music theatre, or Andrea Bocelli will love this show.

Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?

The Pavarotti & The Diva show is a unique up close and personal celebration of the man himself, the infectious character he was and was famous for, and the music he bought to the people around the world.

The Pavarotti & the Diva is presented as part of Anywhere Festival on the 7 & 8 May at The Sideshow, West End.