Usually when a theatre takes on a performer’s name, it’s in memory of someone who is no longer around. When the team behind the Hayes Theatre Co rang Nancye Hayes to ask if they could name their Potts Point theatre after her, she apparently said, “are you sure?”

They were sure. And what a brilliant move it was to name the musical theatre venue after a living legend – one of Australia’s star performers and most loved leading ladies. On top of that, she lives a stone’s throw from the theatre, and is there whenever she can be to support the latest production.

Five years after the venue took her name, Hayes is in the house performing a cabaret show – and what a special night it is. Hayes @ The Hayes looks back over her nearly 60-year career, but rather than including all the obvious numbers from the shows she’s been in, it offers a far more interesting musical selection.

Photograph © Branco Gaica

Devised by her close friend Tony Sheldon, it’s a beautifully crafted show, drawing on a fascinating song list – many of which I admit I didn’t know – that he...