Priscilla Queen Of The Desert

Set in Sydney Australia and following the long journey of two drag queens and a transgender woman to play Alice Springs Casino. Priscilla the battered camper van is acquired, the three experience encounters, sometimes with unpleasant reactions, along the way – the theme throughout really is of ‘acceptance’  a story of understanding, belonging, courage, contrasting the differences found in the remote Aussie outback.  Much inuendo with quite vivid language.

Paul Webb played the iconic experienced drag queen character of Bernadette capturing her sarcasm beautifully, walked and stood elegantly whilst Adam Bunting-Smith created the wonderfully camp Adam/Felicia living the life and notably clad in silver glamour performing from the top of their unpredictable tour bus,  a lip-synching superb aria. The three leading characters gelled so very well together with Christian McDonald as Tick who had a delightful poignant moment when eventually reconnecting with son Benji played by young Aiden Beattie bringing a tear to the eye duetting with his father. His waiting wife Marion was played by Zola Thomas who persuaded Tick it’s time to admit to his son who he is – positioned either side front stage their ‘Boogie Wonderland’ they sang so well together as a couple.

Bob the mechanic a character to love was deep voiced, bearded Richard Lock who sang the notable reprise of ‘A Fine Romance’ and was spirited away from wife Cynthia – Ella Segovia McGovern who was adept at pinging her ping-pong balls – most amusing with her ‘Pop Muzik.’  The powerful, experienced voices of Amanda Simmons, Katie Perkins, Amy Shurey closely harmonising throughout with synchronised movement too, dressed alike in beautiful glam sexy costumes, hair styling also matching.  Nice touch appearing not only from the stage but also from a box. The comedic role of Shirley with her wonderful sexual movements, constant straight face and mullet hair was played by Gemma James.

Oscar Smith was not only responsible as MD but played flamboyant Miss Understanding, sharp tongued bitchy drag queen opening the show at the Cockatoo Club with ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It.’ With the nonstop backing tracks he rehearsed the cast to perfect wonderful well-known songs from Tina Turner, Donna Summer to Cyndi Lauper opening with ‘It’s Raining Men’– including a good rendition of ‘Thank God I’m A Country Boy’ hoedown dancing to match led by Seth Ringrose, trio ‘Go West’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and a particularly good version of ‘A Fine Romance’ performed  by Paul as Bernadette to name but a few. A lot of ensemble numbers kept the cast busy with constant choreographed movement created by Naomi Wareham. Constant fast and furious changes of the elaborate, quite bizarre, colourful costume and headdress requiring huge assistance with Sophie Ringrose and Graeme Herbert-Boon heading wardrobe. The fine featured dancers were both athletic and worked with Naomi’s routines were complex and slick and were strongly supported by the also talented ensemble both vocally and with movement.

The stage crew must be congratulated on the swift turnarounds of UK Productions/Ashley Jones various set venues provided, particularly repositioning Priscilla. The good sound system was operated by Mags Riddington together with Maria Ferreira and Nathaniel Carn controlling colourful follow spots. Once again Gareth in his professional manner brought the whole production together into another EODS first class production. Thanks and congratulations to all involved – on stage, behind the scenes and FOH.

The very colourful, A4 comprehensive programme was designed by Sam Kavakli on quality paper. I did, however, find the print of the ‘History of Drag’ multi coloured item was somewhat difficult to read.

 

 

 

 

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