Priscilla
Queen of the Desert first premiered in Sydney, Australia in 2006 and has since
opened in Melbourne , New Zealand , London, Toronto and
Broadway. The show follows the story of two drag queens and a transsexual making
their way across the Australian
outback
in a Tour Bus called 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'.
The glittery,
camptastic show got my heart racing and my feet tapping. The score is made up of
dance floor classics, including 'I will Survive', 'Go West' and 'Venus' and even
though the songs have been brought up to date with the story the show still
manages to keep the original feel to them and reminds us why we love them. I saw
the show on the 14thof April and my expectations were
nonexistent as i didn't know enough about the show.
The show opens with
the 'Divas' making the ultimate entrance by flying from the top of the Palace
Theatre, looking over Sydney singing the opening number, it wasn't too high
energy but still enough to get us in the mood! The ensemble were a
fantastic bunch, harmonies were wonderful.
The voices of the
Divas were astounding; the way the voices blended together was just spellbinding,
creating a way for the show to flow much easier. The show would be very loose
and not well put together if these three talented girls
didn't make an appearance now and then! Gemma O'Duffy and
Lucinda Shaw were glorious, But for me, Charlotte Ruby was the star out of these
three women. She sang 'I Will Survive' at the end of act one, which were some of
the best vocals from any performer in the West End.
Oliver Thornton was
energetic and fun as Adam/Felicia; bringing a great presence with him to the
stage. Don Gallagher was
also good as Bernadette, bringing a sophisticated and experienced character to
the show.Richard Grieve was
an average Tick/Mitzi; his performance was good but nothing special. Didn't wow
me, but didn't disappoint. Not being a strong dancer, even at the little arm
movements at points in the show.
Mark Moraghan was a
good Bob, but looked a little too young, and Shelia Chilton (Marion), Kanako
Nakano (Cynthia) Newley Aucutt (Miss Understanding) and Olivia Philip
(Understudy Shirley) were also great aspects to the show.Costumes and set
were fantastic; every detail looked like it had been put there for a reason
(whether that is a real reason or just because it was just very
camp!).
The storyline was
fun, but I do feel the sentimental bits and the characters journeys were lost in
the campness of the show, it's sad because the show has a great
message.Everyone would enjoy
this show, even really butch men! This show is a great addiction to the west
end, bringing qualities that other shows haven't to London. You're missing out
if you haven't seen this show, it's a great night out!
Rating:****
Priscilla Queen of the Desert closed on December 31st 2011 at the Palace Theatre
Priscilla Queen of the Desert closed on December 31st 2011 at the Palace Theatre
