Big Diva Energy Review by Craig Lawson
Loud, proud and utterly fabulous, Will Skarpona pairs powerhouse singing with humour and heartfelt storytelling. His solo cabaret, Big Diva Energy, bursts with personality, bringing the audience along for every glorious high note and heartfelt confession.
At the Victorian Pride Centre, Skarpona takes us from growing up in Wollongong to finding freedom in New York, weaving songs through his experiences of love, identity and learning to embrace himself as a gay man. He does it with enough energy to get the whole room clapping, cheering, and joining in!
Streamers, singalongs, and plenty of opportunities let the audience become part of the show. Skarpona thrives on that connection, looking directly at people and drawing us into his world. The room was right there with him, clapping and cheering throughout.
And what a voice! He can belt out a number with roof-raising power, then bring it right back to something tender and deeply personal. His acting is just as impressive, giving each song its own character and making us feel every bit of the story.
The song choices fit the storytelling beautifully. Lady Gaga’s “Applause” delivers a glorious dose of diva energy, a pair of Louboutins leads us into Madonna’s “Material Girl”, and “Holding Out for a Hero” perfectly accompanies the search for love. Big songs, big personality and a performer who knows how to sell every moment.
Then comes Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!”, a moment that brought tears to my eyes. This part of the show felt vulnerable and really touched me. With all that exuberance filling the room, the emotional honesty makes just as powerful an impression.
My friend even found themselves on microphone duty while Will made a quick costume change, and we sang along as he slipped into his next look. Clearly, being a diva sometimes requires a little audience assistance!
Directed by Maude Davey and with musical direction by James Frampton, Big Diva Energy tells the story of growing up feeling you should shrink yourself and blend in, then discovering the freedom to be who you are. Although grounded in Skarpona’s experience as a young gay man, that desire to be accepted and to accept yourself will speak to plenty of people.
I left absolutely loving it. A big-hearted, full-volume celebration of self-love, delivered by a performer who gives you plenty to cheer about.
Big Diva Energy played at the Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda, until 17 October 2026, as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Show information: Big Diva Energy – Melbourne Fringe Festival
