If you fancy an evening full of laughter, sequins and sparkle, along with some deeply moving moments, then you must see Priscilla Queen of the Desert, a new touring production straight from the West End.
The music is based on a book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, and directed by Simon Phillips. Actor Simon Green is one of the main reasons you should be seeing this production. He plays the character of Bernadette, and is simply outstanding. His portrayal of this elegant older lady, who absolutely adores champagne, has beautiful poise and fabulous legs! He is mesmerizing to watch.
Bernadette is a character that has been through the full transgender procedure, and has experienced love, heartbreak, prejudice and also been a highly successful show girl. All this world experience is of great support and guidance for both Tick (Darren Day) and Adam (Adam Bailey). The story sees Bernadette, Adam and Tick leave Sydney to journey to Alice Springs to take up a residency for a show there. Adam’s passion for adventure and living young and free, leads to a slick comedy banter, which tickles you pink.
The cast is incredible. An opening scene with Miss Understanding (Callum Macdonald) is fabulous; a Tina Turner with feathery hair, which sets the show off to great energy, which immediately gets the audience going. Then, as you look up at the stage, these 3 ladies in fabulous sparkling gowns and huge hair, suspended mid-air, are making the most magnificent sound with such powerful voices, the songs beautifully sung. It’s quite surreal to see, but nigh on perfect.
The music comes from well loved classics that are cleverly intertwined into the story, and very comical at times, and at others real tear-jerkers. The music, along with the fabulous costumes – our personal favourite was the lime green cup cakes with glowing candles – are like nothing we’ve ever seen, yet it works with the costumes are integral to the show and compliment the essence of Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert.
The musical heavily relies on audience participation for one scene, which is essentially not needed. It’s the weakest element of the show, however, it doesn’t distract us from the story.
Priscillia: Queen Of The Desert is an absolute scream. Make sure you book a ticket for the bus when it pulls over near you.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is currently playing at Woking Theatre from 15th – 27th February.
