PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
What a way to open a show, an explosion of colour, sound, lights, and above all talent. And it is talent the brings this show so vibrantly to life on this 30th anniversary tour. That’s thirty years since the musical burst onto our stages and not since the original film burst onto our screens back in 1994 and reminded us all how great an actor Terence Stamp was.
The musical was and is the most deliciously camp confection that takes the core of that film and delivers it in a feast of classic pop anthems. The story is retained of course, Tick’s journey to accepting fatherhood, Adam’s anger and Bernadette’s search for acceptance and love, and none of that could be more relevant than right now as we see the hideous swing to the right and the rise of trans and homophobia here in our own country. Under all the glam and glitter this is a massive protest and rude awakening, one that many of us thought would never be needed again. How wrong we all are and how sad it makes us.
And that sadness should not be lost in the lurex and lamé of this show. I’m pleased to say that in this new production it isn’t, it’s there in full force, hideous realities punctuating the fun and frivolity. But fun and frivolity there is in abundance. Director Ian Talbot has got the balance right in his full throttle production and choreographer Matt Cole keeps his foot down on the pedal with his amazing routines. Routines delivered by a company of incredible energy and talent. How they survive the rigours of a two show day is beyond belief. And even more so when you think that they are wearing Vicky Gill’s massive and startling costumes and so many quick changes, from drag artistes to red-necks and back in moments, the deodorant brands must be raking it in from this show.
Andrew Exeter’s set and lighting is first class, slipping seamlessly from disco to desert and back and keeping us aware in a way that this is, or was a road movie. In the pit a band that blasts out number after number in arrangements that are so familiar, so close for the most part to the original hits. So many hits, the pop classics that filled the dance floors of my early years and from recent party experiences still do.
Some of us were hoping to see one of our queer icons, the brilliant Adele Anderson playing Bernadette but sadly she was unwell. Luckily for us we were gifted the talents of Dakota Starr who nailed the part. There was a reality and sensitivity to the delivery as well as the much needed fierceness required to make her both loveable and believable.
Peter Duncan’s Bob was so charmingly played, tender and gentle and his delivery of his solo number was a delight, give the man a badge, although I hope he has one for all his services to kid’s TV.
The show is underpinned by three divas, glittering pop goddesses in sparkling silver frocks who keep the music moving throughout, Leah Vassell, Bernadette Bangura, Jessie May – you girls rock! And so too do the rest of that ensemble, delivering a wall of sound that would have Phil Spector spinning in his grave.
Felicia is played by Nick Hayes and it is a breath taking performance, high octane, high kicking and high as a kite when he is beaten in an horrific homophobic attack. His bitchy stabs are perfectly delivered as any drag queen might, but it is in this and the later scenes where he falls apart that we see his real acting talent before emerging stronger than ever to scale Uluru.
Finally we get to Kevin Clifton, let’s not bother talking about his background, we all know what he did and where he did it, after a performance like this that is ‘Strictly’ history. Clifton’s Tick is a delightful portrayal of a man who is not the ubiquitous screaming queen so often portrayed in TV, theatre and film. He’s a nice bloke, with a believable back story, and a talent to amuse. Yes, there are moments when he is camp, but the character is that gay man that we all know, the one who does not sashay away, the one who is quietly supportive, out but not outrageous. And who knew that Kevin Clifton could sing so well? This is a full on triumph of a role for the man and one worthy of seeing him in so many future roles, the real example of a triple threat!
Andrew Kay
16 June
Theatre Royal Brighton
Rating:
