Sydney Opera House Presents Trevor Ashley's MARDI GALA

Monday 29 October, 2018. The Sydney Opera House today announced the return of MARDI GALA to the Concert Hall on Sunday 24 February. Bigger, better and bolder than ever, Trevor Ashley's uproarious variety show will celebrate all things fabulous with a parade of pure talent under the Sails.

A party of colourful performers will join Trevor Ashley (The Bodybag, Les Misérables) for this special event, including iconic diva Rhonda Burchmore OAM (Hot Shoe Shuffle, Mamma Mia!), the electrifying Tim Campbell (Home and Away, Wicked) and the acerbic wit of Tom Ballard (Tonightly with Tom Ballard, Triple J). For a bit of extra sparkle, Ashley has enlisted the help of Oxford Street legends Shauna Jensen and Minnie Cooper. Live onstage with a 12-piece orchestra, this talk show-style variety gala is jam-packed with surprises, laughs and power ballads that will have everyone on their feet.

Tickets are also available to a stylish after-party for those who want to celebrate with the stars. Patrons can enjoy a complimentary drink in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer at a fabulous party with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour to the sounds of DJ Victoria Anthony.

The star-studded event follows the Sydney Opera House's first ever Mardi Gras Parade float as part of the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Titled Out at the House, more than 70 staff members-turned-dancers, ushers and orchestra members put their sparkliest foot forward in the parade up Oxford Street.

Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance, Olivia Ansell says: "The Sydney Opera House is celebrating the 41st Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the LGBTQI+ community the best way we know how - with a show! It is our pleasure to do this with the irrepressible Trevor Ashley, a wonderfully talented entertainer, director, producer and international Queen of Cabaret who represents what Mardi Gras is all about - diversity, equality, pride and a whole lot of fun."