Call me Dusty

Without doubt the finest white soul singer of her era, Dusty Springfield is for millions the definitive pop diva. And 2013 was the 50th anniversary of the start of her extraordinary solo career.

Her lifestyle was the stuff of legend – and great drama. With her relentless quest for perfection and refusal to compromise, Dusty Springfield led a tormented life. Her stage persona – extravagant black mascara and backcombed hair – was at odds with the quiet, shy convent girl Mary O'Brien and her sexuality. The result was a downward spiral of drugs, alcohol abuse and self-harm– but, despite all that, she produced tremendous music, which still ranks as some of the finest of its kind.

‘Call Me Dusty’ celebrates the music, while exploring the dichotomy of the private person and her alter ego. Playing Dusty was Jessica Sandry who starred in an acclaimed show about another legendary singing star, Doris Day, in addition to her many national theatre, television and film roles.

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