Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

How lucky I feel to have grown up at a time that was the golden age of pop. And how lucky to be sat in a full to bustin’ theatre to see a show that glories in that music. Priscilla was an iconic Aussie movie that took the world by storm. A gay parable that challenged people’s perceptions of how gay men live, all served up in a bitchy world of camp and prejudice. How sad too that all these years on so many prejudices still remain. The amazing thing is that the musical version of the film manages to retain the heart of the story whilst wrapping it in a boisterous confection of crazy costumes, whacky choreography and full on disco madness.

The touring production loses some of the trappings of the West End setting but at no loss to the whole, in fact the slightly sparser setting allows this extraordinary company of performers to shine. Blistering arrangements drive the all singing, all dancing cast forward like sparkling steamroller of joy. The stars, and there are many, not only in lead rolls but also in the supporting cast and in the chorus too, give a full on performance that has the audience singing and clapping along and finally the entire theatre rises to its feet for a well deserved ovation.

Graham Weaver as spoilt Adam is wonderfully acidic in his barbed arrogant delivery and can deliver a song with style too. Noel Sullivan as the central figure of Tick is totally believable in the role that is central to the whole piece, and his ability to belt out an anthem or deliver a ballad is second to none. Richard Grieve is brilliantly self-contained as the older drag diva Bernadette, playing the role with a great deal of skill and charm. A word too for Frances Mali McCann who delivers ‘Pop Music’ with an energy that is show-stealing.

Priscilla is a riotous entertainment that has the audience from the moment the curtain goes up to the glittering finale, camp as Christmas which is more than appropriate for a theatrical offering in the festive season. For panto go elsewhere but dance you pants off at Priscilla at the Theatre Royal Brighton!

Theatre Royal Brighton, 19 December 2013

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