Review: Priscilla Queen of the Desert - Princess Theatre Torquay - 11th April 2016 - THEATRE REVIEW

*****

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'

Duncan James, (famed for being one quarter of British boy-band Blue fame, amongst previous laudable theatre credits) -who rocked any outfit on the night, however outlandish; and has a set of pins to make anyone jealous- was immediately completely convincing in every way, as Tick, - the gay father, nervous about revealing his true self to his child; and when morphed into in full-drag Mitzi-mode was almost unrecognisable- not only due to the obvious aesthetics of his glamorous feminine wig, make-up and attire; but such was his completely non-butch, clever depiction of the character that was executed with soft, flowing, womanly movements and absolute grace.

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

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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