Jackie goes Prima Diva

Clarke is a gem, an absolute natural on stage with her comic timing, asides and most of all, her outstanding voice – Patrick Shepherd – Christchurch Symphony – Fresh Sounds review – Christchurch Star

This self-styled “Pacifica Rita Hayworth, with a touch of Spotlight” really knows how to entertain (and did I mention she can really sing?)….the hall could have been Carnegie or Royal Albert, but was in fact the Twyford Community (Hall)! She would do either of those stages proud also – Rob Harbers, Ambient Light Blog review, Hawkes Bay Festival 2022

Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style to interpret the songs of the 20^th and 21st Centuries most legendary divas.

Ms Clarke pays homage to Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and more! From Alberta Hunter to Dolly Parton, from Kate Bush to Lady Gaga, Jackie lets her diva flag fly, while playfully interacting with the audience with trademark witty panache.

Accompanied by her trusty sidekick Maestro on piano, expect iconic songs performed with tender soul and gleeful virtuosity.

In 2018 Jackie Clarke was awarded an MNZM for services to entertainment; 40 years treading the boards in theatre, (Mamma Mia, Shirley Valentine) music (When The Cat’s Been Spayed, The Lady Killers) and T.V. (NZ Idol).

Don’t miss this rollicking show of bravura song styling, dazzling frockage, pin-drop moments and plenty of laughs from a NZ dairy-fed Diva with her feet on the ground and her head amongst the stars.

Jackie Clarke MNZM

Jackie Clarke was recognised in 2018 with an MNZM for services to the entertainment industry. Most recently she starred in the one-woman play Shirley Valentine, performed Jackie Goes Prima Diva at the 2022 Hawkes Bay Arts Festival, devised/produced & premiered Rock Follies Forever, with Jennifer Ward-Lealand & Laura Daniel, and performed a series of successful concerts with opera tenor Simon O’Neill and musical theatre baritone Tim Beveridge.

Ms Clarke co-founded pop-comedy group When The Cat’s Been Spayed, releasing two albums and touring for ten years. She’s one-third of The Lady Killers alongside Tina Cross and Suzanne Lynch and as a soloist she’s worked with artists such as Sir Dave Dobbyn, Annie Crummer, Greg Johnson and Simon O’Neill.

On stage Jackie has starred in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia, Anything Goes, Sweet Charity and Once, as well as NZ works The Underwatermelon Man, C The Musical & Dominion Road the Musical.

She has performed with all New Zealand’s orchestras and been part of Jubilation for 20 years.

Television work includes judging NZ Idol, guesting on the Jacquie Brown Diaries and presenting several documentaries.

Grant Winterburn – on tour from 4 June onwards

With more than 35 years of experience as a musician Grant’s career has covered a vast array of musical situations – some of them more dangerous than others! This rich journey in live music has involved being a musical director, pianist, accompanist, jazz organist, rock musician and teacher.

As a musical director Grant has worked on many theatre productions including: Shortland Street the Musical, Cabaret, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Rocky Horror Show for Auckland Theatre Company, Assassins and The Threepenny Opera for Silo Theatre, The Pirates of Penzance and RENT.

As a session musician he has performed with The Lady Killers, (Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch), Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Richard O’Brien, Geoff Sewell, Midge Marsden, Carly Binding, Eye TV, the Neutrino Funk Experience to name but a few and played keys on shows such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, New Zealand’s Got Talent, Stars in their Eyes, Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys, Cats, Anything Goes and Avenue Q.

Grant can be regularly seen as a pianist with Operatunity music travel throughout NZ and overseas.

Karl Benton – on tour 31 May to 3 June

Karl Benton has worked in the New Zealand music industry as an educator, performer and creative for over thirty years. He has extensive experience in many fields including studio recording, band arranging, musical direction, touring, teaching, artist mentoring and working for iconic and respected local artists. He has been a music educator for many years, both in private and institutional contexts (MAINZ, Excel School of Performing Arts). Karl’s broad experience in the music industry has seen him represent New Zealand as a musician many times overseas and performed and toured numerous times with iconic New Zealand artists such as Kantuta, Ardijah, Lizzie Marvelly, Che Fu, Jackie Clarke, Rikki Morris, Sir John Rowles, Annie Crummer, and many more.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE PLAZA – 078838596- THEPLAZA@PLAZA.ORG.NZ

DOORS OPEN FROM 6PM

CASH/EFTPOS BAR