TWINS – Double The Talent

Two great stars, Rhonda Burchmore and Trevor Ashley, talk to Coral Drouyn on the eve of their new show’s opening.

It’s a little disconcerting to interview two Divas at once, especially if you are a fan-girl of both. Lets face it, they are both Legends in EVERYBODY’s lunchtime. So why, given that they both have such huge followings in Music Theatre and Cabaret circles, choose to link their new production Twins, to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

“Why indeed?” says Trevor, sounding for all the world as though ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’ will be his next line.

“Because we’re funny!” Rhonda counters, and Trevor concedes the point graciously.

The fact is they are both hilarious, both icons to audiences of all persuasions, both super glamorous, both fabulously theatrical performers, both possess belting voices, and both renowned for their stunning costumes.

“Oh stop, you’re making us blush,” says Rhonda

“Even if it is all TRUE,” Trevor adds.

The two have worked briefly together before but TWINS was a chance to actually create a show between them.

“So we put our money where our mouths were,” Trevor says.

“Which makes it very difficult to sing.” Rhonda quips. “Especially with a mouthful of small change.”

“Believe me, there’s nothing small change about her ladyship,” Trevor adds.

Truthfully, they have invested a large sum of their own savings, which blew the budget after the first week, in this lavish production.

“We have a live band on stage, and eight costume changes,” Rhonda explains, “and NO Trev, we cannot afford another grand’s worth of Swarovski crystals. We’ll just have to sparkle more by ourselves.”

I remind Rhonda of the days before Swarovski on costumes, when diamante strips were far cheaper.

“Oh love, I remember them well…or perhaps I shouldn’t admit that,” Rhonda says sheepishly.

“I remember those gowns with diamantes,” Trevor adds in awe. “I used to see you on the telly when I was a little kid!”

Rhonda’s response has been edited out in the interests of peace and harmony.

The two talk seriously about the new show, and the fact that comedy of late was increasingly becoming defined in taking to the stage in your grungiest day wear and peppering observations with expletives.

“We want to show that comedy doesn’t come in a neat - or even unshevelled - box with a label on it,” Trevor explains

“He’s right,” Rhonda agrees. “Even though I’m not sure what a shevelled box looks like.”

Trevor’s response has been edited out in the interests of decency.

It’s all about entertainment, and these two have been committed to that for both their careers.

“And hers is so much longer than mine,” Trevor insists.

“But yours is ROUNDER darling,” Rhonda responds in a loving dig at Trevor’s frame.

It’s clear these two have a mutual admiration society of two going.

“And I am the president,” Trevor insists.

“In your dreams, Sweetheart!” Rhonda’s tone puts Trevor in his place.

“Seriously, there’s a lot of Alpha Male in Trevor. He likes to be in charge,” Rhonda explains.

“Either Apha Male or Dominatrix,” Trevor concedes. “But I am very methodical and disciplined in my work.”

Personally I can think of a million and one reasons to go and see these two great performers on stage together anytime, in any venue. But what was the driving force in them wanting to work together?

Rhonda explains first.

“Trevor is insanely talented. He has this fabulous voice and he’s able to impersonate all the great Divas. But beyond that, he has such exquisite taste in music, in costuming, in production,” she says.

“Which is why we’re over budget,” Trevor explains. “I never want to short change our audience.”

My own take is that both artists are constantly pursuing excellence; they don’t ever settle for less than 110% - that’s 220% between them.

“250% darling,” Rhonda tells me.

“We give 300%,” Trevor insists, “and it’s increasing in ratio to the budget.”

Rhonda groans - there goes her retirement fund.

I ask Trevor the same question I asked Rhonda. Why did he so want to work with her.

“Well look at her,” he says. “I don’t just want to work with her, I want to be her. She’s a Legend.”

“In my own lunchtime,” Rhonda smirks.

Which brings us back to where we started.

I will be at the opening on Friday night at the Arts Centre – and theatre and comedy lovers would be crazy to miss it.

TWINS plays at Arts Centre Melbourne from April 7 – 17, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, then from June 10 – 12 at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.