Priscilla Queen of the Desert

This is the last show that Burgess Hill Musical Theatre Society will perform at the Martlets Hall and it was like a glorious gateaux stuck with sparklers; a feast of colour, pizzazz, sweetness and light. The actors gave flamboyant and funny performances which radiated a magic that had the audience riveted from curtain up to curtain call. The musical numbers were performed with wonderful vocals and a vibrancy which created a fiesta feel throughout.

The plot has drag queens, Tick and Adam and transgender woman, Bernadette, travelling in a touring bus they name Priscilla, to a remote town in the Australian outback. Tick’s estranged wife Marion wants him to meet his 8 year old son and has asked him to perform at the hotel she runs. Adam and Bernadette go with Tick to offer moral support although they are unaware he has a son. The trio meet a variety of remarkable characters and face violent homophobia. They deepen their friendship and learn valuable lessons as they support and help each other through their life changing trip.

This exquisitely directed show, tickled and uplifted but also stirred thoughts about prejudice and acceptance. Laced with moments of mirth and sweetness, as well as the surreal, it was joyful and hopeful, whipping up dreams of the world becoming a kinder place.

Paul Bryant gave a sensitive, expressive and, I have to say, womanly performance as Bernadette. His mannerisms and expressions were spot on and he radiated warmth and humour which gave a lovely depth to his character.

James Edwards as Tick, and his alter ego Mitzi, managed to tread the difficult balance between femininity and boyish masculinity with thoughtfulness and wit.

Mathew Wells as Adam or Felicia positively sizzled as he lit up the stage with his huge personality and wide smile, his powerful voice perfect for his numbers, although his hilarious mouthing to opera scene had some of the audience crying with laughter.

The trio had a lovely humorous rapport which made their friendship utterly convincing.

Bill Kirwan's characterisation as Bob was flawless, from his Australian accent and manly charm to his facial expressions and rich singing voice. I loved it when he was enthusiastically dancing away while the rest of the bar stood in bewilderment as ‘Mitzi’, ‘Felicia’ and Bernadette performed.

Vivacious divas Danielle Newton, Michelle Bryant and Kate Stenhouse rocked the place as they delivered number after number with their stunning voices.

 I have to mention Dawn Holland’s Shirley who was screamingly disgusting and comic dynamo Karen O’Brien’s Cynthia. Helen Mullany as Marion was both forthright and caring while Ciaran Kiely’s Miss Understanding was outrageously Tina Turner-like. Henry Godwin gave a lovely performance mouthing to ‘A Fine Romance as the young Bernadette and Adam Scott as Jimmy popped up in various guises, acting with style and a twinkle in his eye. Beau West was perfect as Benji and his bedtime duet with James as Dad, was heart-warming.

The magnificent score of 70s, 80s and 90s hits had songs such as I will Survive, Hot stuff, It’s Raining Men, Go West and Girls Just Want to Have Fun performed with wholehearted glee from a cast and ensemble with superb vocal ability. Fabulous choreography and extraordinarily stunning costumes - paint brushes, huge headpieces, umbrellas, and cupcakes to name few - created a surreal kaleidoscope of fun.

The innovative set had 3 giant stilettos with steps inside to create different level platforms. The tour bus was rotated for exterior or interior scenes and there were projected backdrops for other scenes such as the bar. 

Burgess Hill Musical Theatre Society should be supremely grateful for Rebecca Bennett’s outstanding direction, and unreservedly proud of their triumph of a show which will stay in the minds of all those fortunate enough to see it forever.

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