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Dame Shirley Bassey ‘spends a little time’ with RWCMD...at its Sweet Charity premiere

Dame Shirley Bassey ‘spends a little time’ with RWCMD...at its Sweet Charity premiere

Dame Shirley Bassey returned home to Cardiff this week to attend the premiere of the Royal Welsh College’s Musical Theatre students’ production of ‘Sweet Charity’.

The show features the song Dame Shirley made her own, ‘Hey Big Spender,’ and after seeing the show she 'spent a little time' with the students backstage, chatting to the cast, stage managers, designers and musicians.

Dame Shirley steps backstage to congratulate the cast and creatives of Sweet Charity

‘It was a fabulous show and I want to congratulate everyone involved.

Whenever I see the College students perform, I feel happy that I can support training that was not available to me when I was young. I can see their hard work alongside their talents and I wish them all the luck in the world for their future careers.’
Dame Shirley Bassey

Earlier in the day, she met students who have benefitted from the Dame Shirley Bassey scholarship that was established at RWCMD through her support.

'Having the opportunity to welcome Dame Shirley back to the College feels very special. No-one can inspire a fabulous show as she does and when we perform for her, we always do so with huge excitement as well as deep gratitude for her friendship and for the support that created her scholarship.

As we mark our 75th birthday we want to pay tribute to her, and everyone who has contributed so much to RWCMD over the decades, empowering every part of our provision in different ways.
Helena GauntPrincipal RWCMD

Performing ‘Hey Big Spender’ in front of Dame Shirley Bassey

Dame Shirley with Abena Adoma and Cadi Mullane

Abena Adoma and Cadi Mullane play Helene and Nickie who lead the ensemble in the classic, ‘Hey Big Spender’.

So, what was it like singing such an iconic song in front of the performer who made it so special?

‘I am beyond privileged to have performed ‘Hey Big Spender’ in front of Dame Shirley, and to have met her afterwards.

This was the first time I’d played a part with such a big character development and song, so I thought I’d be nervous. But I just thought of my three years of training at the College, and I looked out and saw Dame Shirley sitting in the auditorium, and I was just so excited to show her what we could do.

Now I’m buzzing and really proud of myself, and the cast and crew for such an amazing performance. I feel like I can do anything!’
Abena Adoma