Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Hoylake and West Kirby

12/9/24

 

Priscilla Queen of the Desert; The Musical is a glittering, high octane theatrical adaptation of the 1994 Australian film of the same name, winning an Academy Award in 1995. It was adapted for the stage winning a Lawrence Olivier Award in 2010. This vibrant show is a riot of colour, music, and emotion, delivering a feel-good experience that leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain.

There was a real buzz at the Gladstone Theatre Port Sunlight, for their production of ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’. The show follows on from H.A.W.K ‘s well-deserved North-West NODA success, winning the Best Musical for 2023 production for Sister Act. The audience anticipating another spectacular musical, were not disappointed, the Diva’s (Kirsty Murphy, Leanne Burgess and Nicky Brown) were joined by full company for ‘Its Raining Men’ what an opening.

The story follows two drag queens, Tick (also known as Mitzi, Ben Loy) and Adam (Blair Smith also known as Felicia), along with a recently bereaved transgender woman, Bernadette, (Jon Croft) as they journey across the Australian outback in a beat-up bus named Priscilla. Invited by Ticks ex-wife Marion (Kate Harcus) they are to perform a drag show at a remote casino in Alice Springs, Tick secretly hopes to reconnect with his young son Bengie. Along the way, they encounter a mix of hostility and acceptance, all while bonding and finding solace in their unconventional friendship.

Congratulations to Directors Ami Clewlow and Simon Brock, you undoubtedly had a vision for this production, what an incredibly talented cast and crew. The characters are richly drawn, each with their unique struggles and moments of triumph. Bernadette, played with dignity and poise, often steals the show with sharp wit and touching vulnerability. Tick, who grapples with the challenges of fatherhood and his own emotional identity. Meanwhile, Adam provides comic relief with his flamboyant outbursts, carefree attitude to life, and his dream of climbing Kings Canyon in full drag; not to forget his love of Kylie. These three actor’s performances were amazing, the audience were with them every inch of their journey across Australia (Go West) through Broken Hill to finally performing in Alice Springs. Every actor in this production gave their all. Bob (Matt Kasprzak) gave a cracking performance as the mechanic who fixed Priscilla when she broke down, leaving his ‘ball popping ‘wife Cynthia (Gemma George) fell in love with Bernadette, hopefully lived happily ever after. Miss Understanding (John Sprung) great rendition of ‘What’s love got to do with it’. Shirley (Jill Eason), Jimmy/Farrah (Stuart Clay) Frank/Dance Captain (Liam Comer) young Bernie (Charlie Newton) and of course Bengie (Oliver Box) who could forget ‘Always on my Mind’ with his Dad, not a dry eye in the audience.  

This musical is packed with disco hits from the 1970s and '80s, including crowd-pleasers like "I Will Survive," "It's Raining Men," and "Go West."  "Don't Leave me the Way" These iconic songs are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the story's themes of love, acceptance, and resilience. As I always say you cannot beat the power of a live band; HAWK’s Musical Director Jeff Broadbere and his band support for this production was exceptional.  The choreography is equally impressive, Megan Clarke performing miracles managing over 35 performers on a restrictive stage, with energetic dance numbers that bring the songs to life, fabulous... The cast's talent and enthusiasm are palpable, making it impossible not to tap your feet along to the beat. There is such splendid depth of talent in this society which is so exciting, it is impossible to mention you all individually, so I will just say, Ensemble, Dancers you are all wonderful!

One of the standout aspects of Priscilla is its dazzling visual spectacle. The set design brilliantly captures the vastness and harsh beauty of the Australian outback, together with the vibrant, over-the-top world of drag. The titular bus, Priscilla, is a character in itself, with its colourful lights and transformations throughout the show. Praise to sound engineer Elliet Tutt and lighting design & operator Jamie Moran, and of course the stage crew.  I believe extra praise must got to Ami Clewlow for her creative imagination and endless hours creating the ‘LED wall design’ for this production, it was flawless, well done to all concerned.

The costumes are nothing short of spectacular. extravagant, eye-popping, and utterly fabulous. Each outfit is more outrageous than the last, perfectly reflecting the larger-than-life personalities of the characters. Beneath its glittery exterior, Priscilla Queen of the Desert touches on important themes such as identity, acceptance, and the power of chosen family. It tackles homophobia and transphobia with a blend of humour and poignancy, never shying away from the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, it always maintains a hopeful, uplifting tone, celebrating the joy and freedom of self-expression.

This Musical is a joyous, campy celebration of love, friendship, and the beauty of being true to oneself. With its infectious music, outstanding voices, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances, it’s a show that leaves a lasting impression. Thank you, H.A.W.K, for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

 

 

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