Ashley Banjo targets new dream with Diversity

The popular dance group are currently wowing crowds at the Cliffs Pavilion with their ‘Supernova’ show.

But Ashley would love to take things to the next level.

“I’d really, really love to have a home in the West End,” Ashley told the Echo.

“I’d love to expand into a new world and create a really theatrical show that tells a story through the arts.

“We’ve always done that but I’d love to take it to the next level.

“I’d love to go to the West End and bring people in from all over the world.”

Ashley has enjoyed an incredible number of memorable moments since winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

Popular - Diversity are currently wowing crowds at the Cliffs Pavilion (Image: Diversity)

But performing in Southend still remains special due to the group’s proximity to the Cliffs Pavilion.

“This is home for us,” said Ashley.

“We are literally stationed two minutes down the road.

“We’re here every day and this show was born and created in Southend at our studios.

“My first theatrical experience was a Panto here at this theatre so it’s special.”

The ‘Supernova’ show is now creating more memories.

And Ashley made sure to take in the lengthy standing ovation which greeted the end of the show.

“It was incredible and a real goosebumps moment,” said Ashley.

“At the end of the show there’s a good 15 seconds where we just stand there,” said Ashley.

“It’s really important for us to try and take in those moments.

“We are 15 years on from winning Britain’s Got Talent and to get a response like that at the end of the show is incredible.

“It can be easy to not take it in but it’s important we do.

“Every day we stop at the end of the stage, look out and it’s just magic.

“I look to my left and I’m with my brother and my friends and it’s really special.”

But such ovations are nothing new for Diversity.

And Ashley feels their unique style is the secret to their longevity.

“We never tried to fit into a lane,” said Ashley.

“We’ve always been relatively original and we’ve done our own thing in our own way.

“We’ve carved our own path and not been chasing trends.

“Our fanbase has grown and we’ve got better at what we do too.

“People come into our world for the night rather than us chase what everyone else is doing.

“It’s harder to do it that way and we didn’t do it on purpose but now it’s created a world people can step into for a night.

“It’s a bit of an escape as well.”

>Diversity’s ‘Supernova’ show is on at the Cliffs Pavilion until Sunday before returning next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Limited tickets are still available here.