Cabaret Star at The Ritz Madeira
Sian Lesley
Sian Lesley is the headline cabaret star at The Ritz Madeira, where she brings a glittering dinner dance show to Funchal's historic Avenida Arriaga every Saturday night. A career that began at the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris and continued at the Lido de Paris eventually led her to create her own production, blending classic cabaret glamour with powerhouse vocals. Her Ritz Madeira sets range from Queen medleys to ABBA tributes, delivered in an intimate upstairs room with a three-course dinner, wine and Portuguese beer included. For locals and visitors, Sian's show is one of the most polished nights out in the city.
Sian Lesley has headlined the cabaret at The Ritz Madeira for years, turning a Saturday night in Funchal into a full dinner & dance production. In this interview we talk about her journey from the Moulin Rouge and the Lido de Paris to the Casino de Madeira stage and then onto The Ritz Madeira, Avenida Arriaga, how she builds a set for a Madeira audience, and what she has learned about the island from the spotlight.
Q1.How did you go from the Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris to headlining the cabaret at The Ritz Madeira every Saturday night?
Over many years. After Paris I was a bluebell dancer in Vegas then I decided to start my own group which led me to mainland Portugal where I had my first contract. From there I done many contracts in the Casinos of Portugal before being asked to put on a show at the Casino De Madeira. I loved the island so much i stayed and built my business from here. After many years at the casino I left to start my own show and have now been here at the ritz for over 12 years.
Q2.What makes a Saturday night at The Ritz Madeira different from the cabaret shows you performed in Paris?
This show is about fun. It's about people on holiday enjoying their time here and seeing the best that Madeira has to offer. I don't claim to be reinventing any wheels but I do know, from my audiences reaction that they are having a wonderful evening and that makes me feel great!
Q3.Your sets feature Queen and ABBA medleys, how do you choose songs that connect with a Madeira audience?
Ive been in the business for many years and know what songs get the best reactions from people. I really just try to make sure that the song/ numbers will be enjoyed by as many people as possible which means using the older classic songs.
Q4.Walk us through a typical show day: soundcheck, preparation, the dinner service, and the final bow.
Firstly during the day I prepare the dressing room, Making sure all the dancers have everything they need and that im set up for the evening with my costumes etc all in the correct place. Then sound check around 4pm just to be sure that nothing has been moved during week and all the settings are correct and my vocals are were they need to be. The dinner service starts around 7pm and spend this time at home getting prepped for the show. I arrive around 8pm as guests are having their last course and then the show starts around 9pm. After the show we like to go out and thank our audience members and have some photos etc.
Q5.What is the one thing you always tell visitors to do in Funchal before they come to the Saturday show?
There is so much to do here in Madeira but I particularly love the great restaurants. I would always advise people to try out some of our wonderful restaurants and also our food here at the Ritz Madeira.
Q6.How has the Madeira crowd, locals, returning visitors, and first-timers changed over the years you have performed here?
The island has changed as a whole. It was once a quiet older clientele but thats changing bringing new blood and a younger generation. We are lucky to have many return visitors some of whom have been coming since the Casino days - so over 20 years.
Q7.Are there local musicians, dancers, or crew members who make the Ritz show possible, and what do they bring to the performance?
Yes! All our dancers are locals. We have dancers from Madeira and Brazil as well as myself from Wales (although i now have a Portuguese passport)
Q8.What is your favourite Madeira dish or drink, and where do you go for it when you are not on stage?
Fish! We are blessed on the island to have some of the freshest and most wonderful fish and fresh produce. I particularly enjoy eating out at restaurants such as Avista, Theos and Akua to name a few.
Q9.For someone who has never been to a cabaret dinner show, what should they expect from an evening at The Ritz Madeira?
Fun Fun Fun. Great food, great wine and a fun evening of laughter and joy.
Q10.What is the most memorable moment you have had on stage in Madeira, and what did it teach you about the island?
I was awarded the Golden Estrelicia for my stage performances and contribution to the islands entertainment scene. This was huge for me and somehow should me after many years on the island that I belonged here in Madeira.
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