Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Revisiting any past success is always a challenge, but this was one which Director Dee Bennie-Marshall and the amazing cast and crew of Priscilla Queen of the Desert rose to with great aplomb.  Returning Priscilla to the Civic stage only four years after this talented group last performed it was no doubt in response to the demand of both the audience and cast alike, as it was clear to see that those in the auditorium and on stage were literally having the greatest time.  Every member of the cast gave a passionate and show-stopping performance which was much appreciated by the audience.

Priscilla is a juke box musical, so the audience came to the production knowing the songs, making it even more difficult to ensure that no one is disappointed.  Matthew Symonds as MD worked his magic so that the talented cast gave fabulous renditions of some of the most popular and well-known songs.  Accompanied by a strong band, every production number was brilliantly performed.  The Drag Team, Dance Team and Ensemble were all in-time, up-beat and clearly having an absolute ball dressed in the most amazing costumes and effectively supporting the talented leads.

The ‘leading ladies’ are hugely demanding roles both physically and emotionally, however Ashley Booker as Bernadette, Ben Loy playing Tick/Mitzi and Matthew Roddis as Adam/Felicia were faultless during every moment of the production.  Their passion and talent was evident in every number, every routine, and every challenging costume change.  Their characterisation was impeccable and the audience could not help but empathise with Mitzi’s family challenges, share the sadness of Bernadette’s unfulfilled ambitions, and be utterly frustrated by the antics and risk taking of Felicia.  The many nuances of Bernadette’s script were perfectly delivered by Booker who spat out the cutting lines with a bitchiness that Joan Collins would envy.  Loy’s strong voice was evident in his numbers and he gave a passionate performance.  Roddis is fireball of energy and enthusiasm - his solo performance on top of the bus was side-splitting.  There are some challenging story lines within the show and some difficult issues held high in what is a hugely entertaining piece of theatre.  Booker, Loy and Roddis, although incredibly funny, were also able to convey some important messages and they captured the emotions of loneliness, heartbreak, and the desire to be accepted for who you are regardless of where in the world (or desert) you are.

They were well supported with great performances from Theo Mayne as Miss Understanding, Darren Mann-Saunders as Bob, Sally Beech as Marion, Ferne Nodder as the Pastor.  Rachel Marshall reprised her role as Shirley – which has to be one of the most hilarious roles in Musical Theatre and saw Marshall’s beautiful voice used in the most excruciating way.  Cynthia, the lap dancing mail-order bride, was wonderfully portrayed by Helen Edwards.  I also enjoyed seeing Dillon Batey, who four years ago played Benji, mature into the role of Young Bernadette - a great performance on high heels.  Congratulations to Alfie Houghton in his first principal role with RMTC and who, as the only child on stage, gave an engaging performance.  The Divas- Ellie Simpson, Kirsty Taylor and Grace English- narrated the story with their fabulous vocals, inspired moves, and super dancing, as well as looking stunning throughout.

I enjoyed all the production numbers, but particularly enjoyed the high-energy of ‘I love the Highlife’.  Macarthur Park, with dancing cupcakes, was also a highlight and it would be remiss of me not to mention the ability of the Drag Team to dance in high heeled shoes.  The choreography was challenging, but this group had clearly worked through the blisters during many rehearsal hours, as was evident in their walk, wiggles and high-stepping dance moves.

The professional costumes and props added to this production and Priscilla, the bus, was expertly manoeuvred around the stage by the stage crew.  Scene changes were swift and managed well, when required, by the ensemble.

Appropriate casting is essential for this production and there were no weak links.  With inspired direction and choreography, Dee Bennie-Marshall has worked with this talented group to put on a production which was entertaining and thoroughly deserving of the standing ovation it received.

Congratulations to everyone involved – an amazing production.

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