PRISCILLA - QUEEN OF THE DESERT

What a show…… Priscilla is the ultimate in camp and sassy, with poignancy and super music that we all know.  This production did not disappoint, in fact it was extremely well presented on all levels.

A shout out to Rob Hemmin for the set and managing the use of the hired in scenery, props etc, all helped create the ambience of the show.  I liked the fact that everything was seamless – no black outs or hiding of stage crew for scene changes, even to the moving of ‘Priscilla’ – well done to the backstage team.

Musically outstanding.  There is always the argument that because of the type of numbers there’s no need to have ‘good’ singers, but this production had excellent singers, including the ensemble, and the pit singers were a good addition to boost sound.  The band had a full rich sound, and the balance between stage and pit (basically an upstairs room) did not suffer at all.

Technically good throughout, lighting enhanced the feel of the production, and covered the side stage, thrust and all stage areas well.

The costumes were imaginative and colourful, the Wardrobe Mistress had outdone herself, with I understand a little input from a cast member who made some of his own costumes.  The only costume I was not entirely at ease with was the Diva’s first dress, but otherwise everything fitted well and colours were excellent, bright and engaging.  Another shout out to the ladies who helped with the quick changes – I wasn’t aware of any problems in that area, and some are exceedingly fast!

Choreography worked well, in keeping with the music and well within the abilities of the cast.  Good to have Niki Dunn ensuring the cast were well-rehearsed in the dance numbers.

Lovely that the Briffett twins, Elliot and Cody shared the part of Benji, good empathy between Benji and Tick, and great singing too.  Well done boys.

I was so impressed with Colby Gregory (Mitzi/Tick), such expression and understanding of the different aspects of the character – showing strength and vulnerability, plus super vocals.

Oliver Slade (Felicia/Adam) showed a completely different side to himself, which he accomplished with style and aplomb, again great vocals and showing the outrageous but sometimes sympathetic sides of his character.

The third member of the travelling trio was Jeff Hammond (Bernadette), who gave us the faded Les Girls performer well, the interaction between him and the younger men was interesting and inclusive, I loved this trio.

The Divas – Jasmine Poulton, Jessica Kolthammer and Nikki Smith, were dazzling – great voices and harmonies, and real sass – I loved them as a trio, they were all on a par with regard to voices and performance.  Nikki Smith played the opera singer and was right ‘on song’ – lip syncing was perfect and a good video background.

There were so many small parts, which were all beautifully played by the cast and ensemble, I was particularly taken with Steph Gimblett (Shirley), Emma Gracias (Cynthia), Alexander Grose (Miss Understanding) and Lucy Lowe (Marion) certainly made their presence felt in small roles.  A special mention to Carl Robinson who, I understand took over the role at short notice, and did well.

There wasn’t a weak link on stage, everyone gave their all, and I’m sorry I can’t mention them all by name, but I was aware of them all and their contribution to an excellent production.

My particular thanks to Kay Ward for hosting us on the night, we were made to feel incredibly special, and Kay went out of her way to ensure we got to talk to everyone we needed to, to help with my understanding of the production. 

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