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 and crew.

Dame Shirley Bassey goes backstage to celebrate with the cast and crew of RWCMD’s Sweet Charity

Dame Shirley said…….

‘It was a fabulous show and I want to congratulate everyone involved. Whenever I see the Royal Welsh 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.’

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,’ said Principal Helena Gaunt.

“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.”

  • Dame Shirley with Abena Adoma and Cadi Mullane who lead the ensemble Hey Big Spender
  • Dame Shirley with Opera student and current DSB scholar Juliet Wallace
  • Dame Shirley with Opera grads and previous Dame Shirley Bassey scholars Osian Wyn Bowen and Charlotte Forfar

Abena Adoma and Cadi Mullane play Helene and Nickie who lead the ensemble for 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,’ said Abena after the show.

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 then I looked out and saw Dame Shirley sitting in the auditorium and I was just 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!”

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