What Edinburgh Reviewers Are Saying…

"There should be a warning as you enter the Drawing Room at the Assembly Rooms that says: ‘Caution: Master Storyteller at Work,’ for what you are about to witness is nothing short of extraordinary. And the singing. Oh my, the singing... it’s a relief to discover a performer that allows herself, and her audience to breathe, to savour, to reflect and be awed by artistry in the room. If you want to give life to a life story, this is how it’s done. Breathtaking." ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Musical Theatre Review (Edinburgh)
"DIVA is a show few could pull off, even if they could write it quite so well... A magnificent piece of musical theatre. Standing ovations seem both likely and well-deserved. Brava, Vivienne Powell, Brava!"

The Quinntessential Review UK (Edinburgh)
"Powell’s performance captures themes of success, love and loss with masterful control, transfixing the audience for the sixty-minute runtime. DIVA is a richly layered and beautifully operatic piece of theatre, Vivienne Powell delivers a performance that is as vocally stunning as it is emotionally resonant."

Culture Fix UK (Edinburgh)

What Edinburgh Audiences Are Saying…

“A tour de force. Vivienne Powell's acting and singing are flawless - a captivating and moving performance. I can't recommend it highly enough. She is a gifted performer bringing to life an inspiring and heart rending story. Go and see it! ”

— Alison

“I have seen a lot of great performances this week already. And then, there is DIVA. It’s on its own plane. Awesome acting, singing and story. (Until now) by far the best show.”

— Gaston Lamaitre

“A powerful piece of theatre, by turn emotional, haunting and funny. With some lovely operatic performances interspersed. Really enjoyed it.”

— Graeme Mackay

Vivienne Powell + Miriam Margolyes chat to
The Guardian about their one-woman shows
Edinburgh Festival 2025

Read article here

“There should be no age limit to creativity,” says Powell. Her advice to those still contemplating their next chapter is straightforward:

“Follow your heart, do what you love.” She raises one finger for emphasis: “And don’t settle.”

D I V A

Written and Performed by Vivienne Powell
Directed by Peter Blackburn

After a highly acclaimed Los Angeles premiere season,
DIVA brings its magic to Edinburgh.

In this affecting and life-affirming new play, mezzo-soprano Vivienne Powell displays her remarkable musical and physical prowess to embody the once-celebrated fictional Australian opera star Louisa McCrae.

As Louisa unpacks a suitcase of treasured items, her fractured mind slips into the moments that defined her extraordinary life.

“Nothing a human heart has loved will ever be lost"

~ HG Wells

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