Sharon is not worried about being a diva

Accomplished performer Sharon Rowntree does not mind being called a diva, which is fortunate given she spends much of her time portraying some of the biggest in history.

Rowntree will bring her show Dusty and the Divas to Ipswich next month and along with it breathe new life into a string of classic hits.

The show pays tribute to some of music’s most iconic artists including Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Connie Francis, Petula Clark, Nancy Sinatra and Dolly Parton.

“Audiences can expect a really fun, colourful show with plenty of energy,” Rowntree said.

“It’s fast-paced with lots of costume changes and all the best songs from the iconic divas of the 60s and 70s.”

Rowntree’s love of 60s music stretches back to her childhood, with the musical tastes of her mother and grandmother a major influence.

“The 60s was just a great era. It was not my era, it was more my mum’s era and grandmother’s era, but there music interests definitely influenced me,” she said.

“I started singing from a very young age and always had the biggest voice in the choir, so I feel like I was destined to perform and this music really suits my voice.

“What people can expect from my show is a glimpse of these iconic characters with a little bit of my own twist on them.

“Some of the songs in the show include I Only Want to Be With You, Son of a Preacher Man, Puppet on a String, Lipstick on your Collar and To Sir with Love.

“They are songs that have stood the test of time that are sure to bring back plenty of memories and have toes tapping.”

Rowntree first took her show, Dusty and the Divas, on the road about 12 years ago, but she began performing as the late, great ‘white lady of soul’ Dusty Springfield and others long before that.

“I’ve done tributes for a long time. I performed in tribute bands in Sydney as Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield for many years and performed in many sellout theatres,” she said.

“What I love most about being on stage is building a rapport with the audience. A lot of people will say how the music brings back memories for them, that’s very nice.”

It seemed only fitting, given her time portraying some of music’s biggest personalities, to ask Rowntree if she herself is a diva.

The answer: “I’m definitely no shrinking violet and I can be a bit of a diva at times but being a diva is not so bad and I definitely don’t mind being call a diva,” she said.