Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is a dazzling, heartwarming tale of friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance. Following the journey of three drag performers as they venture across the Australian Outback in their battered bus, Priscilla, this musical is an explosion of colour, energy, and emotion. With its striking costumes, uplifting songs, and celebration of individuality, it resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

Upon arrival, the front-of-house officials provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for an evening of entertainment. As we settled into our seats, anticipation filled the theatre for what promised to be a spectacular production. Under the musical direction of Ceri Graves, the live orchestra delivered a wonderfully crisp and dynamic performance, striking a fine balance between music and dialogue. It was a delight to see the orchestra integrated into the set rather than hidden away—an exciting choice that added to the immersive experience. Given that this was Ceri’s first time musically directing a main show, her ability to maintain precision, control, and impeccable timing deserves commendation. Director, Richard Ross faced the challenge of bringing this high-energy production to life, and he succeeded beautifully. The balance between comedy and drama was seamless, making the musical both entertaining and thought-provoking. The choreography was a standout feature, cleverly incorporating props—such as snooker cues—into routines. The cast exhibited excellent spatial awareness, demonstrating clear discipline in their entrances and exits, resulting in a polished and engaging performance.

The staging, set design, and technical elements complemented the production’s flamboyant nature. Anyone familiar with Priscilla Queen of the Desert knows that manoeuvring the large bus can be a logistical challenge, but the stage crew handled its rotations seamlessly. The lighting effects, while generally effective, needed some fine-tuning—particularly spotlight positioning—to ensure characters were consistently well-lit. Additionally, microphone balance and volume fluctuated at times, occasionally obscuring dialogue and vocals. Certain punchlines and critical moments lost impact due to these technical inconsistencies, but overall, the production remained engaging.

From the moment the curtains opened, the audience was introduced to Tick/Mitzi Mitosis (John Harrison), Bernadette Basinger (Marcus Bowen), and Adam/Felicia Jollygoodfellow (Steven Cheesman). Their chemistry, witty exchanges, and impeccable comedic timing made their interactions a joy to watch. John Harrison sustained a consistent Australian accent while portraying his character’s reserved yet determined nature. His vocal performance of I Say a Little Prayer masterfully conveyed Tick’s internal conflict and emotional weight surrounding his son. Marcus Bowen brought an air of elegance to Bernadette, balancing wit and sophistication with finesse. His poised performance in Don’t Leave Me This Way provided a poignant reflection on resilience and past experiences, beautifully executed. Steven Cheesman fully embraced Felicia’s flamboyant and mischievous energy. Beneath the character’s confident exterior, Cheesman successfully conveyed the underlying struggles of discrimination and hostility, making his portrayal layered and engaging. Meanwhile, Dave Moreton as Bob provided a grounded, kind-hearted contrast to the trio’s exuberance. His genuine connection with Bernadette was evident, and his dialogue delivery remained consistent and compelling throughout.

Philippa Shellard Ross embodied Cynthia’s bold, provocative personality with an electrifying energy, winning the audience over in fits of laughter—particularly during her infamous ping-pong ball scene, which was timed and choreographed to perfection. The production’s three Divas—Laura Armenia, Sarah Clark, and Elizabeth Roberts—delivered stunning vocals with power, projection, and control. Their harmonies were impeccable, showing clear attentiveness to one another’s timing and coordination. Elizabeth Roberts’ vocals stood out as a highlight. Sale NOMADS took on the challenge of performing this high-energy musical and executed it with precision, vibrancy, and enthusiasm. From elaborate costumes to demanding choreography, the cast radiated dynamic energy that truly shone throughout the production.

Thank you once again for the warm welcome and hospitality—I look forward to experiencing another spectacular show soon!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.