Frankie Stevens
Frankie Stevens is an iconic NZ entertainer.
Frankie is both an excellent M/C as well as a world class entertainer, and is more than happy to do one role or both. Frankie can perform on his own for a 30 – 40 minute show using backing tapes; can bring in a female singer like Tina Cross or Jackie Clarke and dancers if required, or have live backing band – he is very flexible and will fit in with your requirements.
Frankie Stevens was born Frank Stevenson in Wellington and he grew up in a very musical family with 10 brothers and sisters.
He began singing at age 13 in the school band in Upper Hutt and knew then that singing was to be his career. At age 16 he joined the band the Castaways in Australia.
This event marked the beginning of his professional career and after a couple or years of touring Australia and New Zealand Frankie decided to try his luck as a solo artist and started appearing on the busy club and pub circuit followed by a loyal group of fans. 1970 was a major change in Frankie’s life as he married his childhood sweetheart Margaret and then moved to London.
He performed at the Talk of the Town, the Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall – one of the high points of his career. Winning the talent show “Opportunity Knocks” six times in a row was quite an achievement.
Whilst in London he also represented Great Britain in several song contests, winning the Silver Prize in the Second Toyko Musical Festival, the Bronze Medal in Caracas Venezuela and the Gold Medal at the song Festival in Bulgaria.
In 1971 he moved to Las Vegas landing a residency at the prestigious Sands Hotel for a five week period which ended up as a 32 week season as a featured act in Tessie O’Shea’s London Musical Hall Variety Show. Then it was onto the largest hotel in the world at the time -The M.G.M Grand.
During the following years he toured / appeared with international stars, Olivia Newton John, Shirley Bassey, Sammy Davis Jnr etc. Musical specials with Petula Clark, Morecombe and Wise and Cilla Black and a five week season at the Talk of the Town starring in his own show.
1976 saw him relocate to Hawaii and for the next 5 years he appeared in his own show for 8 months of the year and during the Hawaiian off-season he performed in Europe, mainland USA and Canada.
In 1982 Frankie returned home to New Zealand and during the eighties he owned and operated one of New Zealand’s major nightclub restaurants, “Chips” showing again how versatile he is. At the same time he continued singing and assisting in raising his daughters, Amanda and Taryn. As well he somehow fitted in his own TV series for TVNZ as well as trips to Japan, Australia and the USA.
In 1994 he appeared in the role of the High Priest in Harry Miller’s touring theatre production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” which was so successful he was again invited to play the role in the 1994-1995 tour of Australia. “Superstar” gave him the opportunity to perform with his younger brother Jon who played the role of Judas. On his return from Australia he appeared in various television and live performances.
A personal highlight was having the opportunity to tour with Sir Howard Morrison.
He is perhaps best known as a judge on all three seasons of NZ Idol commencing in 2004. Frankie continues his career in the entertainment industry as well as seeking out other challenges and opportunities in other areas.
Testimonials:
‘Frankie had the audience eating from his hands the moment he stepped on stage. He is a seasoned professional and a pleasure to work with’ Franchise Association of NZ
‘Frankie is an utter professional. We loved him and he provided wonderful entertainment that really made our evening special. AgriQuality Ltd
‘Excellent – He was fabulous, he was a great MC and his singing performance was even better. What a great night’ Institute of Chartered Accountants
‘Frankie is a very professional performer and very popular with the crowd’ Driven Events
'Absolutely fabulous!" Expressions Whirinaki