Priscilla Queen of the Desert is embarking on it's own road trip across the UK, with The Palace Theatre in Manchester being the latest stop. After hitting our screens in 1994, the Aussie musical is still as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Full of sass, colour, some ping pong balls and catchy songs, it's impossible not to fall in love with this musical.
Jason Donovan of Neighbours fame starred in the original stage production, it's interesting to see him back here as Producer. This was my first time seeing a production of this musical, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. However, I wasn't disappointed, yes it was cheesy, but the cast are insanely talented and it's a joy to watch from beginning to end.
It's hard-hitting, ballsy and of course as camp as Christmas! The plot follows the story of three drag queens who decide to 'Go West' and travel from Sydney to Alice Springs in a clapped-up bus called Priscilla across the Australian outback. Each has their own demons to face and they meet characters along the way who make them question who they are. On their journey they encounter both the kindness and prejudice of humanity.
Adam/Felicia (Nick Hayes) is your typical cocky drag queen that seems to have it all, but he finds out the hard way that life isn't always that easy. Bernadette (Miles Western) has been doing drag since the others were kids and has a wealth of experience. Mitzi (Joe McFadden - 2017 Strictly Come Dancing winner) is travelling to Alice Springs to meet the child he fathered 6 years ago, but is yet to meet.
As the curtain rises the familiar chords of 'It's Raining Men' echo around the Palace Theatre. The audience are already clapping along before a note is sung - you know this is going to be a good night.
This is certainly a jukebox musical. There are camp classics such as 'Hot Stuff' and 'I Will Survive' that have the audience clapping and bopping along in their seats. None of the classics are butchered and are accompanied by a live band, so it's more than bearable to sit through.
I was pleasantly surprised by McFadden's vocals. He won't be giving Alfie Boe a run for his money but he can definitely hold a tune. I'm not entirely convinced of him as a drag queen, he just didn't seem to have the sass required to be believable as a drag performer. For me, Western was the standout performer of the night. His comic timing was excellent and delivered his lines with the brutal wit they needed. However, the ensemble as a whole were fantastic. The choreography was tight and the vocals were on point. You can tell they are enjoying every minute of it.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is certainly a treat to the eyes, a special mention must go to those backstage who make that happen. When I looked at the programme I was taken aback to discover there are no less than five people responsible for keeping the wigs in check on the tour! The costumes are also fantastic and add to the humour of the show. The set by Charles Cusick-Smith and Phil R Daniels is clever. I especially liked how the bus came apart to form other parts of the set.
With all the madness happening on stage it would be quite easy to forget the message of Priscilla Queen of the Desert sends - in a world where you can be anything, always be kind.
Reviewer - Brian Madden
on - 25/11/19
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