*****
Set against a backdrop of Australia's vast outback, Priscilla
Queen of the Desert is an
wonderfully extravagant explosion of a show which sees three
characterful drag queens -Tick (Mitzi), Bernadette and Adam (Felicia)
embark on a voyage of self-discovery and acceptance- of themselves
and each other; as they take an eventful and fun-filled
cross-continent road-trip aboard their enchanting gladioli and
leopard-print fake-fur-laden, beaten-up old bus (the eponymous
Priscilla)- in search of a new performance-venue and a new scene,
from Sydney, to a casino in Alice Springs- where Tick's estranged
wife and young son reside.
 |
| Duncan James, Adam Bailey & Simon Green; with the ensemble & 'Priscilla' in full swing in 'Colour My World' |
From the second the audience took their seats in the glitter-ball
festooned theatre, the tone and energy of the evening was set, and a
vibrant opening instrumental musical medley from the show's live
band, ably directed by Matthew J Loughran, kicked off proceedings in
fantastic fashion; and the much-welcome, fun, comfortable, and
inclusive vibe; and inducement to indeed, proudly- 'Shake Your Groove
Thing'- in this classy production was confirmed.
Sound quality throughout was perfect- even in
the loud, pumping tune 'Venus', the bass did not overpower; and the
soundtrack selection for the whole show- encompassing other hits such
as 'Go West' and 'What's Love Got To Do With It' was varied and
warmly embraced. Lighting was crisp and atmospheric and often
disco-style, so the latter- exciting and mesmerising; and sets (save
for the impressive, striking bus - thankfully now a return to form
akin to that from the West End production- which had been lacking in
a previous touring incarnation of the show) were mostly simple, yet
effective -allowing the unfaltering talent of the eclectic cast to
take centre stage.
The trio of lead character-portrayals melded perfectly together, with
each role, and actor, bringing something different to the piece:
 |
| Duncan James as 'Tick' & 'Mitzi' |
James' warmth,
strength, genuine sparkle and charismatic, engaging personality, lit
up the stage, and his literally dulcet vocals were captivating and
struck an emotional chord with the audience; especially when
showcased in solo, 'I Say A Little Prayer', and the beautiful and
touching, stripped-down duet with his character's son, Benji (on this performance
endearingly played by James Ferrier) of Elvis' 'You Were Always On My
Mind'.
Simon
Green, (last seen in this neck of the woods as poles-apart character,
Monsieur André,
in 'The Phantom of the Opera' UK Tour) was unparalleled in his
version of the slightly older, and perhaps -at first- jaded,
character of Bernadette; his stand-out characterisation played with
empowerment yet humility, and full of absolute, exact, fast-paced
wit, style and poise.
Plenty of added laughs, extra
showbiz pizazz and show-stopping numbers such as Kylie's 'Confide in
Me' were delivered by the deliciously OTT zany Adam / Felicia (Adam
Bailey) - whose
spectacular outfits, and command of them- even in a show of this
spangly-magnitude and exquisite costumery- were an extra-special
sight to behold.
The whole supporting cast thoroughly
'held their own' throughout the entirety of this faultless
production: from
the
Outback's sweet, 'hero-of-the-hour' mechanic,
Bob (Philip Childs) - and his
aptly gruff but impassioned rendition
of 'A Fine Romance'; his wife, Cynthia, (Julie Yammanee) and her
'interesting' ping-pong talent!!; and the
outrageous
and
wonderful Miss
Understanding (Callum Macdonald); to Marion, Tick's wife and Benji's
mother (on this night well-played by Amy Di Bartolomeo); and to the
three divine 'divas' (Lisa-Marie Holmes, Laura Mansell and Catherine
Mort)- whose wow-factor of divatastic hair-dos and
sequin-encapsulated costumes were only surpassed by their dazzling
vocals.
An ensemble of
around ten made up the rest of this completely professional team- who
sang, danced and acted sharply in believable Aussie guise, without
ever looking over-rehearsed or precocious; and were natural, smooth
and enjoyably convincing.
For all the flamboyance and frills,
glitz and glam, rip-roaring comedy, and uplifting music- that had the
audience laughing out loud, perma-grins and dancing in their seats-,
this is also an emotive, inspirational piece that will warm warm the
cockles of your heart. On an emotional roller-coaster with extreme
highs to poignant lows, each
character's tale was intoxicating and compelling at any level- and
the audience members laughed, sang and danced along with them in the
lively sections, but also felt their pain in the softer moments.
Ultimately, the key-theme to this
fun-packed show is that of love and acceptance- surely something for
everyone to take forward into the world; and as such, particularly
stirring musical numbers of 'True Colours' and 'We Belong'
could not have been more exquisitely apt. Priscilla Queen of the
Desert is
about being, and embracing, who you are- no matter what- and working
it!
The
audience dispersed on the night with high spirits, and wide smiles;
and undoubtedly wanting to watch this amazing show and first-rate
cast again and again
.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert runs at the Princess
Theatre Torquay until Saturday 16 April 2016.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit Princess Theatre Torquay / ATG Theatres website or Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical - official website
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit Princess Theatre Torquay / ATG Theatres website or Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical - official website
