You don’t walk into a tribute show expecting to feel the full gravitational pull of Pop’s reigning supernova. But Shannon Beresford isn’t your average tribute act.
Stepping into the glittering shoes of Taylor Swift is no small feat, but at Paraoa Brewing CO last night, Beresford didn’t just wear them, she danced, stomped, and sang her way right into the hearts of a crowd that, for a moment, forgot they weren’t seeing the real thing.
For a few electric hours on Friday night, it was a portal. A flash of glitter, a stomp of cowboy boots, and suddenly we were in the middle of our own Eras Tour. Just scaled to fit inside a local venue that serves pizza and pints.
Welcome to the Swifty-sphere, New Zealand style.
But this wasn’t Vegas. This was family night at a brewery, and it worked because of that intimacy.
Early in the evening, four wide-eyed girls, maybe ten years old, spotted Shannon eating dinner with her band. The moment they realised Taylor was right there, their excitement practically set the air on fire.
Shannon waved and smiled like a pro, triggering a chain reaction of joyous screams that could rival Eden Park on concert night. For those girls, this was their Beatlemania. Their memory for life.
From the opening chords of Our Song, it was clear Beresford wasn’t interested in half-measures. Dressed in era-specific ensembles (yes, there was a 1989 sparkle bomber, and yes, it shimmered), she brought meticulous detail to every costume change, every choreographed twirl, and every subtle gesture Swifties would instantly recognise.
But this wasn’t cosplay. It was performance, with Beresford channelling, not imitating.
Her vocals were strong and startlingly accurate, particularly during the stripped-back acoustic section that included a heartstring-plucking All Too Well that had even the back row mouthing every lyric like gospel.
It was here that Beresford truly bridged the gap between tribute and authenticity—delivering a rawness that made the crowd momentarily suspend disbelief.
It’s a weird kind of magic when an artist can pull off impersonation without it feeling like pantomime. Shannon Beresford—blonde bangs (Fringe), sequin-stacked outfits and all—didn’t just sing Taylor Swift songs. She embodied a Pop juggernaut with heart, humour, and just the right hint of Canadian charm.
By the time she hit All Too Well (10 minute version), Shannon leaned into the moment with a cheeky, I can’t say the F word, this is a family show, cracking up the front row and reminding us this was more than a recital.
It was a shared experience—funny, emotional, and just a little unhinged in the best way.
The backing band deserves serious credit. Todd Porter (bass), Archy Hachey (keys), Joel Carrier (drums), and Chris Mitchell (guitar) locked in with polished Pop professionalism, while dancers Melissa and Marissa brought just enough Broadway sparkle to make the production pop.
At one point, Shannon ditched the stage entirely and jumped down into the crowd, becoming Not Taylor in full dance-floor mode. Cue collective meltdown.
As she serenaded fans face-to-face, she approached a local legend known only as Jumper. A personal trainer from PEClub out enjoying the gig with his daughter. When she held the mic to his face, he belted like he’d been waiting for this moment his entire life. It was pure community theatre. I say that as the highest compliment.
Later, back onstage after a costume change, the front row’s screams reached such decibels you could swear the venue’s walls were vibrating.
We’re having so much fun New Zealand! Shannon shouted between songs. And the crowd roared in agreement.
After the show, I tracked down a couple of superfans. She was very very good, said Gracie, still starstruck. She was almost the real Taylor, added Georgia, with the gravitas of someone who knows.
Then came the chance to chat with the woman behind the bangs. Shannon Beresford might moonlight as Taylor, but she’s no karaoke act.
As one half of Canadian Country-Pop duo The Beresfords (with brother Brendan), she’s an accomplished artist in her own right.
Some people just start bawling when they meet me, she laughs. It’s sweet but I’m like, why are you crying? It’s just me.
She admits she’s sometimes mistaken for the real Swift, especially when the fringe is down. But she’s quick to pivot the spotlight. If I ever met Taylor, I’d just say thank you. She’s inspired me as a performer, a songwriter, and she’s let me travel the world singing songs I love.
That gratitude shows. Tributes often struggle to escape the shadow of their source. Not this one. Shannon Beresford gave us more than a facsimile of fame. She offered a heartfelt homage, loaded with reverence, polish, and more than a little Pop magic.
Taylor might still be selling out arenas, but in this small-town venue, a different kind of superstar took the mic. For two hours, we all believed.
I highly recommend checking out The Beresfords. It’s top-notch, especially if you’re into Country Pop. This could easily become your next great discovery. And who knows, if enough of us share and support her work, we might just see Shannan back on tour performing her own songs. She certainly deserves it.
Shannon Beresford doesn’t just play Taylor Swift—she brings the experience roaring to life. A must-see for Swifties who want the magic up close and personal.
Paul Marshall
Setlist:
Our Song
You belong with me
Fearless
Love Story
Sparks Fly
22
I knew were trouble
All too well
Acoustic Mashup (Corneila Street, Out of the woods, Is it over now)
We are never getting back together
Blank space
Wildest Dreams
Bad blood
Style
Ready for it
Don’t blame me
Look what you made me do
Cruel Summer
The Man
You need to calm down
Lover
Bejewelled
Anti-hero
Encore:
Shake It off
Taylors Story is currently touring New Zealand for more information and tickets please visit: https://www.stetsongroup.com
