Priscilla Queen of the Desert

ADAMS have raised their game once more (as if it needed raising!) with an absolutely showstopping production of Priscilla. This heartwarming story takes us across Australia with three friends on an old bus – named Priscilla of course! The show was a true feast for the eyes, from a wide open set including Priscilla the bus, to a mouth-watering array of colourful, sequin bedecked costumes, and featuring an ensemble whose dance skills had obviously been well-drilled into them by a wonderful choreographer in Louise Douglas-Mirza. Director Robert Nee and Musical Director Robert Nee (are these two really one and the same person? How does he do it?) worked wonders in achieving the standard of acting and singing which we heard tonight. The answer is you bring together a cast with experience and dedication and the rest is plain sailing! – ‘if only it were as easy as that’ says Robert!

The opening number “It’s Raining Men” featuring the three silver sequin clad Divas (Rachel Guthrie, Rachel Nee and Steph Baillie) really got the audience in the mood for what was to come (Did the bottles of Prosecco on the cabaret style audience tables maybe help!). The three Divas made frequent appearances throughout the show acting as narrators to help the story along. The three drag queen stars of the show were incredible, each having there own character. Felicia (Aiden French) showed the totally outrageous side of his character, at the same time drawing sympathy towards him. Tick (Ewan Archibald) the gay father of a young son, I am sure, had many of the audience mopping up a stray tear as he sang “Always on My Mind” to his son Benji (Flynn Sibbald and doubling with Sonny Muir) whom he has not met for several years. Congratulations too, to Benji, who in the latter part of the song joined Tick in a lovely duet. Lastly, the older member of the trio (no disrespect Neil!), Bernadette (Neil Hutton) looked and played the part with relish, one liners popping up here and there with perfect timing. His relationship with Bob the Mechanic (Mitch Scott-Bell) was well-developed throughout. Bob’s estranged wife Cynthia (Marissa Murray) was superbly hilarious, especially in “Pop Musik” when she taught us all there was to know about popping ping-pong balls! Well done Marissa – absolutely classic comedy! A few cameo roles cannot go without mention. Shirley (Janice Fyall), Marion (Laurie Seath) and Miss Understanding (Archie Barton) all gave extremely credible performances, adding some finer moments to a first class show!

The Band, under the Direction of Robert Nee, were admirable – never at any point did they drown the singers - an utter pleasure to listen to. Technically the show worked well in the nicely constructed theatre within a shed, with excellent lighting and sound. It was a pleasure being able to hear every word from the cast, at the same time not having induced sea-sickness from incessant moving lights. Thank you ADAMS for every minute of last night and a special thank you too, to Life Member Alex Muir who was a truly genuine host from the moment we arrived. My personal congratulations to Alex and six other members of ADAMS who receive NODA Long Service Awards this week, totalling 125 years.

Many thanks, ADAMS, for your kind invite to travel on Priscilla!

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