Priscilla Queen of the Desert

It is a good number of years since I last saw this show and I had forgotten what a fun packed show it is. The story line set in Australia tracked the progress of three Drag Queens as they moved from Sydney to Alice Springs on their bus named Priscilla. On the way they encountered prejudice and violence for who they were. Mitzi/Tick had encouraged the other two to accompany him with the carrot of them performing at a casino. He failed to tell them that the casino was actually run by his wife and that his real reason for going was to meet his young son whom he had never seen. John Coe gave a fine performance as the dual Tick/Mitzi keeping the audience transfixed with his comedy and directness. His wigs and costumes were a revelation. He was well matched firstly by Iain Davidson as a wonderful Bernadette, so convincing as a woman, never faltering in his role with delivery of well timed lines and one line comedy and by Joshua Fleming in his first major role as Adam/Felicia combining a galous demeanour with vulnerability. All three carried the action along. Stewart Borthwick, giving a nuanced performance of Bob the mechanic who came to repair the bus, showed his internal conflict as he became aware of his growing feelings for Bernadette and finding these feelings reciprocated. Lucy Andrews had a peach of a small part as Shirley, riveting the audience with her antics. Worthy of mention too are the strutting, Michael Coyne as the larger-than-life Miss Understanding; Jennifer Brisbane as the driven mail order bride Cynthia; and Claire Coyne as confident and sympathetic Marion, Tick’s wife. Keeping continuity were the three Divas - Chloe Kennedy, Sophie Fairgrieve and Chiara Vezzani with their glittering costumes, Madge Simpson like wigs and lovely harmonies. Taking the trick as Benji the son, young Sonny Bennie charmed us all with his acting and confidence. The bus itself was a character which was manipulated without fuss. Australian accents were well maintained by all. The musicality of the show rained down, each one a winner, from the opening number It’s Raining Men to the likes of Go West, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff and Boogie Wonderland all played by a well coordinated and directed orchestra. All were well known songs which created a bigger impact with the cast’s singing and movement in splendid routines and exuding sheer enjoyment. Principals and chorus wore fabulous costumes and had many many quick changes and I mean quick. Sparkling in more than costumes, this proved to be a fast moving, slick and vibrant performance, indeed a spectacular spectacle.

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