Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Once in every while, along comes a stage show that is outstanding. And this was it! This show is camp, sassy, outrageous, spectacular, over-the-top, ostentatious, flamboyant, bold, spirited, and . . . I enjoyed every single moment as it unfolded on stage! It takes a company with a very big heart to stage this show and DMS is one of the few companies who can achieve this success with such a show. This show’s story line may not be everyone’s taste – bad language, homosexuality, transgender, drag queens but, hey, just sit back and enjoy all that unfolds before you, because believe me, you will enjoy the entire experience! This was stunning and overwhelming to watch! Everything about this show was BIG - Priscilla, the famous bus; the fantastic array of outrageous and spectacular costumes; the make-up on the drag queens; the three high-flying Divas who soared high above the company whilst performing; the brave hearts of the production team, and the high-octane calibre of the very fine principal cast. In fact, I have run out of superlatives to describe this show production! The story is, briefly, about two drag queens and a transsexual travelling to Alice Springs and encountering adventures on the way. There was a cracking top trio playing the male leads – all extremely well known on the amateur stage scene – first, Ewan Campbell is drag queen Mitzi Mitosis known as Tick, on his way to meet his son, Benji (nicely played by young Archie Turnbull), who wishes to meet him; second is bitchy Felicia (Raymond Wood), and, as the transsexual, the inimitable Kenny Christie brings her to the stage. This trio was totally breathtaking in their roles and coped admirably, and looked stunning when they attired themselves in their many outrageous female costumes. They had tender moments of dialogue which swiftly changed with earthy comedy lines. Guys, I salute you - you each deserve an Oscar! On their travels they meet many strange characters including Bob, the mechanic, who takes a liking to the trio and, in particular, Bernadette. Alastair Ogilvie plays this difficult role with macho ease and then he embroils himself into the female side of the story. Lynn MacFarlane is unbelievable – her of fairy queen and principal boy roles – was the outspoken, unshapely (thanks to a body padding suit), unkempt, loud-mouthed female Shirley. As Bob’s wife, Cynthia, words fail me, as she demonstrated the art of “popping” ping-pong balls from the most unexpected part of her anatomy! Elaine Thomson proved a winner here! Then there were the three Divas, at times soaring above the stage, as they sang out their numbers. Marlowe Simpson, Rachel Weir, and Claire Wallace all have fantastic, superb voices and blended beautifully! Terrific combination!  Musically, you know the famous pop songs – Go West, It’s Raining Men, A Fine Romance to name but a few. As the show reached its end, it reached fever pitch with the excited audience showing their appreciation with a standing ovation for the talented cast and the hard-working company. What a night! Pure theatre!

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