QX spoke with Trevor Ashley about what drew him to play Roger de Bris, the success of The Producers at the Menier, and the joy of his various theatre, cabaret and international work.
You’ve just finished playing Roger De Bris in the sold-out run of The Producers at the Menier Chocolate Factory. What first drew you to the part—and how much fun was it?
Honestly, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I’ve loved The Producers ever since I saw the original Broadway cast when I was just twenty. Gary Beach as Roger De Bris absolutely blew me away—I remember thinking, “One day, that’ll be me.” And now… here we are! Roger is this delicious, loveable monster of a role. To be back in his heels and high drama for another go is an absolute joy.
Following the show’s success, The Producers is transferring to the Garrick. How do you think a change of theatre influences a show? And how does a full house affect your performance?
After the gorgeous intimacy of the Menier, taking this beast into the West End proper is a total gift. The show thrives on laughter—and the Menier was packed to the rafters every night—so moving to a bigger space just means even more people to laugh louder and longer! Personally, I’ll give 100% whether it’s five people or five hundred, but let’s be honest: there’s nothing like playing to a full house. The energy is electric.
You’re regarded as an ‘Australian musical theatre icon’ and an ‘international queen of cabaret.’ When did you first wear drag and sing—and when did you realise this could be a career?
I sort of tumbled into drag, actually! I was auditioning for musicals and getting close, but not quite landing the roles. Then a fabulous queen called Portia Turbo came to see my cabaret act and said, “You should give drag a go.” So I did. I started performing in Sydney pubs, then moved into doing cabaret in full drag, and that eventually led to playing Miss Understanding in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Not long after, I debuted my Liza Minnelli tribute—and the rest is glittery, sequinned history.
How easy—or hard—has your career journey been?
Like anyone in showbiz, it’s been a rollercoaster. Some years have been tough, others incredible. But I’ve always believed in hard work and hustle. When the roles weren’t there, I created my own shows. That drive—plus a lot of hairspray and a strong belt—has kept me going.
You’ve had some iconic roles along the way. Which ones stand out as the most enjoyable?
So many! Priscilla will always have a special place in my heart, and playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray was a dream—I could do that show forever. Audiences go wild for it. Thenardier in Les Mis was a different beast, but equally fun. I love roles that let me mix comedy, heart, and a bit of mischief.
For those unfamiliar with The Producers, how irreverent is it—and what can audiences look forward to at the Garrick?
Oh, it’s gloriously irreverent! Totally over-the-top and camp as Christmas—but always tongue firmly in cheek. Mel Brooks pulls no punches, and that’s what makes it brilliant. And I won’t give too much away, but the “Springtime for Hitler” number is the kind of outrageous, showstopping madness you don’t want to miss.
You’re also a writer and director. Is that something you’d like to explore more?
Absolutely. Now that I’m based in London, I’m keen to create new work, tell fresh stories, and make people laugh in new ways. I love the whole process—writing, shaping characters, finding the rhythm of a show. There’s something magical about building a world from scratch.
What other projects are you working on?
I can’t give away too much just yet… but I’m developing a new musical based on a fabulously camp novel, working on a film project, and let’s just say… I have a strong suspicion Miss Liza will be dusting off her sequins again before the year’s end. Watch this space!
You can see Trevor Ashley in The Producers at The Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HH, United Kingdom.
More about Trevor Ashley
Trevor Ashley plays the role of Roger de Bris. He has an extensive background in Australian theatre, having performed in productions such as Les Misérables, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
In television, his credits include RFDS – Royal Flying Doctor Service, Les Norton, and Significant Others. On film, he appeared in Seriously Red.
In addition to his theatrical work, Trevor is a renowned cabaret performer, with shows like Liza (on an E), I’m Every Woman, and Diamonds Are for Trevor. He also achieved recognition as the runner-up on Queen of the Universe.
More about The Producers
The show is based on the classic cult film. The original Broadway production of The Producers won a record 12 Tony Awards. Filled with Mel Brooks’ signature humour, the show takes no prisoners! Down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock teams up with timid accountant Leo Bloom in order to create the biggest failure in theatre history, only for their plan to backfire spectacularly, earning them thunderous applause.
