The Hayes Theatre in Potts Point is renowned for its high quality musical theatre shows.
Co artistic directors, Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer approached Brittanie Shipway to put together a tribute show with the songs of Barbra Streisand – to direct and perform in it.
The talented Shipway has done a fabulous job selecting her three co singers, musical director, designers, band and 23 songs.
This has resulted in BARBARA : THE GREATEST STAR. A 75 minute visually exciting, tightly directed and compelling concert of Babs’ songs with some very relaxed, freeform banter.
Streisand is an inspirational woman. Over six decades she has continued to impress her audiences as a singer, actress, songwriter, director and producer of films and a multiple award winner in all of these categories.
Shipway, along with singers Stellar Perry, Laura Murphy and Tana Laga’aia give us some heart wrenching performances of Streisand’s powerful songs. There are solos, duos, trios and quartets. They are all equally great singers, they give their all. Their harmonies are superb.
Kudos must go to the wonderful musical director, Nicholas Gentile, shining on piano, and his band consisting of; Matt Reid and Michael Tyack on Keys 2, Michael Napoli on Bass, Sam Evans and Alysa Portelli on drums.
One of the highlights of the show is when Gentile plays grand piano and sings with Shipway on You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
Fantastic set design by Brendan de la Hay includes luxurious drapery surrounded by dozens of hydrangeas. This is offset by the rich colours created onstage by lighting director Peter Rubie.
Great choreography from Zoe Ioannou and sound design by Em-Jay Dwyer.
I highly recommend BARBARA : THE GREATEST STAR. Whether you know the Streisand songs or not, they are a joy to listen to. The show plays at the Hayes theatre, Potts Point until February 14th. There is a further season at Riverside Theatres Parramatta between the 26th and 28th February 2026.
Production photography John McRae
