Priscilla Queen of the desert

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a jukebox musical with a book by Australian film director and writer Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, featuring a score packed with well-known pop songs. Adapted from Elliott's 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the musical follows the journey of two drag queens and a transgender woman who are contracted to perform a show at a resort in Alice Springs, a remote town in the Australian desert.

Travelling west from Sydney aboard their lavender bus, Priscilla, they find themselves at the centre of a comedy of errors, encountering an array of characters, facing incidents of homophobia, and ultimately discovering new horizons while stepping outside their comfort zones.

This production was bursting with energy, fast-paced from start to finish, and genuinely hilarious.

The two drag queens, Tick/Mitzi, played by Nicky Dixon, and Adam/Felicia, played by James Norman, were both outstanding. Their comic timing was excellent, and their vocal performances were equally impressive.

Clark Wilkinson was superb as Bernadette. With a commanding stage presence and fantastic vocals, he brought great depth to the role. The chemistry between the three leads was wonderful, and considering the sheer number of quick costume changes throughout the show, it was remarkable how they continually returned to the stage looking immaculate and ready for the next scene.

The three Divas, played by Beth Smith, Rebecca Watson and Katie Weir, delivered all of the classic songs beautifully. Their harmonies were particularly impressive and added greatly to the production.

Stuart Evans brought warmth and tenderness to the role of Bob, a man with a fondness for the glory days of drag. Katie Weir was absolutely hilarious as Cynthia, the ex-exotic dancer, and had the audience in fits of laughter throughout.

One of the standout moments for me was the touching duet between Benji, played by Finn Matear, and his father. It was a beautifully performed scene and genuinely moving.

The entire cast was a joy to watch. The singing and dancing were of a very high standard, but I must also mention the costumes, which were simply out of this world. Colourful, vibrant and extravagant, they lit up the stage and perfectly captured the spirit of the show.

Then there was Priscilla herself, the bus. From the outside it looked impressive enough, but when it turned around to reveal its luxurious interior, it became a spectacular piece of stagecraft. At times, it genuinely felt as though the audience were travelling alongside the characters. Stage Manager Neil Gregg and the backstage crew deserve tremendous credit for creating something so realistic and seamless.

In addition to playing the lead role of Bernadette, Clark Wilkinson also choreographed the production, and the routines were outstanding throughout.

The sound and lighting were both excellent on the night, helping to create the vibrant atmosphere that carried the show from beginning to end.

A special mention must go to co-directors Clark Wilkinson and Susan Houghton. You have produced one of the best shows I have had the pleasure of watching. The production was slick, fast-paced and consistently funny. As I write this review, I am still chuckling to myself at some of the moments from the show. Congratulations to you both on all the hard work and dedication that was clearly evident in every aspect of the production.

And what about the huge glitter ball? It looked absolutely fantastic and was the perfect finishing touch.

I would like to mention the cast once more, as every single member contributed to making this such an enjoyable experience. You had the audience singing, cheering and dancing along to the wonderful soundtrack, creating a truly feel-good atmosphere.

I was completely blown away by this production. It perfectly matched my sense of humour, delivered exceptional performances, and provided an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Well Done All.

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