Divas: From Stage to Screen (Big Band Does… Productions) at Studio at Paradise in Augustines Review
Written by Jacqueline for Theatre & Tonic
Since their Fringe debut in 2019, Big Band Does… Productions has cemented their place as an essential element of any Fringe-goer’s schedule. 2025 marks Divas: From Stage to Screen’s fourth Fringe outing, but how does this year compare to previous runs?
As Divas performs for almost the entirety of the festival, four performers from a revolving cast take to the stage each night. This year’s lineup features a combination of Divas from previous years, along with new talent. Dannielle Logan has been a member of BBD Productions since it originated in 2019. Jessica Nolan, Rachel White, Sarah Innes, Fergie Fraser and Ellie Florence have all performed with BBD in previous years. Flick Hannah and Jorgey Scott-Learmonth are both new to this year’s company. At the performance I attended, the lineup featured Dannielle Logan, Jessica Nolan, Sarah Innes, and Ellie Florence, although I will be returning to different casts throughout the run.
Over the course of an hour, Divas: From Stage to Screen will take you on a journey through time, genres and emotions as they perform some of the most iconic songs to grace our stages and screens. The format of the show is the same as previous years, allowing each Diva numerous opportunities to sing their heart out through solos, duets and group numbers. This year’s set list is a delightful mix of previous crowd pleasers as well as new additions. A highlight for myself (and most of the audience, based on the gasps when the song started) was the addition of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity”, interspersed with “The Wizard and I”. The four girls belted the song effortlessly, with Ellie Florence taking on the iconic ending riff, to well-deserved and rapturous applause. I was delighted to see that my personal favourite number made the cut- the iconic Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland duet “Happy Days Are Here Again/ Get Happy”, performed by Sarah Innes and Dannielle Logan. Jessica Nolan delivered a fantastic rendition of “Like A Prayer”. As always, the group numbers were a joyous delight, with ABBA’s “Voulez-Vous” and the Cher Show’s megamix being perfect additions to the show. Something that has always stood out to me is how genuinely supportive the cast are of each other. In what can be such a cutthroat industry, it’s especially heartwarming to see a cast who have such clear admiration for each other.
When a show has performed at Fringe this many times, one could wonder if the format might be becoming repetitive. It is clear to see that the team behind Divas have put a lot of care and consideration into ensuring this doesn’t happen, and that the show feels as fresh as it did the day it premiered. Whether you’re a longtime fan of BBD Productions or this is your first time, Divas: From Stage to Screen is sure to be a highlight of your 2025 Fringe!
Divas: From Stage to Screen runs until August 24th (excluding 10th/13th/14th/17th) at 9pm in Paradise in Augustines - Studio (Venue 152)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
