The QPAC Chamber Choir have done it again with The Dolly and Cher Show, a one-night-only celebration of two music legends: Dolly Rebecca Parton and Cherilyn Sarkisian.
Now in its fourth year, this popular showcase series honours the music that’s been part of the soundtrack to our lives. It began with ABBA Evolution in 2022, followed by Girl Groups vs Boy Bands in 2023. Last year saw the glitter-filled Studio ’24: Disco Choir Experience. In 2025, it was Dolly and Cher’s turn to shine.
Both women are turning 80 next year, remarkable milestones in careers that began with working-class roots on opposite sides of America. With nothing but a fierce belief in themselves, they rose to fame through raw talent, relentless work ethic, magnetic charisma, and an unshakeable sense of identity. Once they stepped into the spotlight, they never left.
Since 2012, Timothy Sherlock has led the QPAC Chamber Choir, a 50-strong ensemble featuring singers from the Brisbane community. As Choirmaster, Music Director, and host for the evening, Timothy put together a show that was not just musically entertaining but also rich with information.
Instead of listing the songs in the printed program, Timothy introduced the songs from the stage. Each segment paired one song from Dolly and one from Cher around a shared theme, starting with Humble Beginnings and building all the way to Global Icons. The collection of songs fused together seamlessly, with an ease that made the flow of the concert feel entirely effortless.
The choice to reveal each theme and song pairing on the large back screen kept us engaged and in anticipation of what was to come next. The result was a 90 minute concert that rocketed along and left us wanting more. (This music nerd has reprinted the concert setlist at the end of this review however, for posterity.)
Kicking off the concert was a reggae version of I Got You Babe, a nod to the ‘80s cover by UB40 and Chrissie Hynde. The QPAC house band established itself immediately with choir accompanist Tina Liu expertly at the helm. The five-piece band included Justin Bliss on bass guitar, Steve Stiller on percussion, Toby Loveland on guitar, and Daniel Khoury on the synthesiser. The synth really came into its own during the disco segment.
It was a joy to watch the QPAC Chamber Choir, with many of the singers literally shining on stage with hints of glittery eye shadow. It was heartening to see this touch extending across the whole choir, from the sopranos and altos to some of the tenor and bass singers as well.
The choir displayed impressive vocal dynamics in Cher’s 1974 hit, Dark Lady, and pulled at the heartstrings with I Will Always Love You. As an aside, my Gen Z guest was surprised to learn that this song was not a Whitney Houston original. It was, in fact, written by Parton following the break-up of her professional partnership with Porter Wagoner. A country music star, he played a key role in her early career.
The standout song of the night was 9 to 5, which saw the choir and the crowd come together in a moment of high-energy celebration. Timothy even joined in the fun, tapping out a rhythm on a typewriter during the verses, in a nod to the film of the same name.
Aside from the obvious mega hits, some of the surprise standout songs of the night included Dolly’s 2022 hit Rockin’ It, and Cher’s 1979 disco hit Take Me Home.
It would be remiss not to mention the the fabulous choralography by Dan Venz which added a fun visual element to the performances. Andrew ‘Panda’ Haden’s lighting effects provided a plenty of neon colour. I particularly loved the purple disco style lights that made an appearance during one of the disco numbers.
Beyond their decades of hit records, Dolly and Cher have each left a lasting cultural legacy, breaking down boundaries on and off the stage. Dolly’s songwriting has given voice to working-class women’s experiences. Her philanthropic work, from funding literacy programs to supporting healthcare, has touched countless lives.
Cher, ever the chameleon, has redefined reinvention. She has challenged industry norms around age, image, and genre with fearless style. Both have stood as trailblazers for women in music, unapologetically charting their own paths. Together they have proven that authenticity is a power that transcends generations.
The Dolly and Cher Show reminds us how music can unite, inspire, and make us feel unstoppable. Timothy Sherlock and the QPAC Chamber Choir delivered a night that celebrated not only the hits but also the spirit of two women who have spent a lifetime breaking barriers. It was a glitter-dusted love letter to resilience and reinvention, reminding us of the joy of singing your heart out. Long may these concerts continue.
QPAC Chamber Choir’s The Dolly and Cher Show ran for one night only on 12 August 2025 at the Concert Hall, QPAC.
Website: https://qpac.com.au/engage/projects-and-events/qpac-choir
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/atqpac/
Photo credits: Darren Thomas
The Dolly and Cher Show set list:
Humble Beginnings
I Got You Babe (1965)
The Last Thing On My Mind (1967)
Emancipation
For What It’s Worth (1969)
The Light of a Clear Blue Morning (1974)
Mainstream Success
Dark Lady (1974)
Here You Come Again (1978)
Disco Divas
Baby I’m Burnin’ (1978)
Take Me Home (1979)
Lifelong Friendships
Shame Shame Shame (duet with Tina Turner, 1975)
Islands in the Stream (duet with Kenny Rogers, 1984)
Cinema Stars
I Will Always Love You (from the 1992 film, The Bodyguard)
You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me (from the 2010 film, Burlesque)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rockin’ It (2022)
If I Could Turn Back Time (1998)
Global Icons
9 to 5 (1980)
Believe (1998)
Finale
Jolene (1973)
Strong Enough (1998)
