For show dates and times see this show on tickets.edfringe.com
1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha
Performer(s), Performing Company:
Melissa Western / Western Standard Productions
Category:
Cabaret and Variety
Genre(s):
Music
Show ambitions:
International Touring, UK Touring, Presenting at a UK festival, Presenting at an international festival
Further information on the ambitions for the work:
We want to appear at international festivals and venues. The show was an official 2024 EdFringe sellout and will sellout again in 2025. It has toured extensively in Australia (mainly Queensland). The content is universal and the music is highly accessible for UK and European audiences. As a cabaret/live music experience with a heart of storytelling, we know that this production is perfect for venue and festival presentation. Our show is very flexible in terms of the kinds of spaces it can be presented in and is easily tourable.
Official Fringe sellout 2024. It's the year 1954. Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt are all at the dizzy heights of their careers. With swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch, these women broke new ground for all who followed. Award-winning singer/actor Melissa Western and her musicians pay tribute to this magnificent era in music and inspiring trio of pioneering singers. 50s style abounds. 'Western is a force of nature... Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Absolutely brilliant… Her aptitude for music is vast and versatile' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'Oozes with charisma' ***** (Edinburgh-Reviews.co.uk).
Touring Notes
This is a live music show requiring the presenter/venue to provide PA, operator and backline (piano or electric keyboard, drumkit, bass amp). A minimal amount of projection is used throughout the show however it is optional and can also be provided by us onstage. This show can play to a variety of audience capacities and configurations. It has been presented in seated cabaret style and seated theatre style to audience capacity of 100 up to 500. Configuration is adaptable and can play in proscenium, thrust, Speigeltent, black box and outdoor.
Previous Touring Experience
Highly experienced touring company. Show has been performed Melissa Western has toured Edinburgh and the UK consistently since 2007. In Australia (where the company is based) we tour regularly throughout the year to a wide variety of venues from large managed venues to intimate clubs and festival venues.
Any other ways this work could be shared with presenting partners and audiences
This is a live music cabaret. Depending on festival or presenter budget it is possible to book local jazz musicians and include a short rehearsal period with lead performer Melissa Western and musical director Peta Leigh Wilson. This could lower the show cost and provide employment for local artists. Our company would source musicians with collaboration from presenter where possible. We ideally book majority female musicians though male musicians can also be booked.
Venue
Show Details
Creative Credits
- Creator/Performer: Melissa Western
Country of Origin
Australia
Performing Languages
English
Performance Type
In-person
Performance duration
Flexible: One set 70m. Two sets 2 x 45m.
Age range
12 and above (12+) , Guideline
Further information on target audience
The show appeals to classic jazz and blues lovers.
Attracts 50+ age bracket.
Suits evening or matinee slots.
When advertised as a 1950s-style event with the audience attending a vintage dress, the show attracts a younger audience. The all-female band attracts young female musicians.
Sensitive content
None
Touring and Development Opportunities
Touring information
Scale of show
Medium-scale
Suitability
UK - National, Europe, Middle East, Asia
Futher information on tour suitability
The key target is curated performing arts festivals and venue programs. Medium to large managed venues suit the show perfectly. Flexibility of setup means the show can be delivered in smaller and more unusual venues also. Being based in Australia, we're also interested in Asian festivals and venues.
Touring availability
Available for international touring September 2026-February 2028.
Estimated performance cost
From 3500GBP
Minimum stage / performance size
Flat stage required (no rake). Minimum stage size: 5m x 3m. Ideally includes drum riser. Flexible stage configurations.
Screen development and other opportunities
Who is the rightsholder to the
material?
Use of published music requiring live music performance license as per country requirements (eg PRS in the UK).
Press and Marketing
Online reviews
Links and Downloads
Tickets
Tickets
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Complimentary tickets to this show can be requested
through the Arts Industry Office
Request tickets
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complimentary tickets to this show.
Contact show
MELISSA WESTERN
Lead performer & producer
Show photos
