1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha
Western Standard Productions
About the work
Swinging jazz, powerful soul & cheeky kitsch featuring Melissa Western.
Official sell-out 2024 + 2025 Edinburgh Fringe
It’s the year 1954. Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt are all at the dizzy heights of their careers. With swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch, these three women broke new ground for all who followed after. Melissa Western and her world-class all-female band pay tribute to this magnificent era in music and inspiring trio of pioneering singers. 50s style abounds.
Award-winning British-born, Brisbane-bred Melissa Western holds a First Class Honours, a Masters of Philosophy, a University Medal, was Valedictorian, and is a Churchill Fellowship recipient, the prestigious national award for “Australians striving for excellence.” Her enquiring mind and love of 1940s and 1950s music led her to create 1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha.
“As my understanding of the mid-50s developed, I was drawn to the stories of Ella, Etta and Eartha. Though divergent in their styles, I noticed a common thread of genre trailblazing — three women of colour breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for those who followed.”
Following sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe seasons 2024 + 2025, Melissa and her all-female jazz band continue captivating audiences with swing, soul, wit and virtuosity.
About the company
Technical Considerations
Marketing & Engagement
Details
Artforms
Cabaret
Live music (Jazz and Blues)
Audiences
Senior Adults
General
Young Adults
Age Groups
Late Secondary16 - 17 years
Adult18+ years
Available to tour
From 2026
Until 2028
Touring Information
Cost
Gallery
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
QTouring acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, winds and water ways.
