Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a demanding show so I was eager to see how Heywood AODS tackled everything. We entered the auditorium to see an open stage blue lit with a huge map of Australia on a projection screen with Alice and Sydney pin pointed. The projection screen was used throughout the production with good effect, other pieces of set were brought on when needed by the hard working stage crew. Priscilla herself had moveable wheels, she could move forwards  and backwards from the audience (with the help of Stage Manager Steve Brady and his crew) and do a 180 degree turn, she was lined in different fur print fabrics and one side was completely open for the audience to see what was happening inside.

David Abendstern was Musical Director for this juggernaut of a show and he kept a strong rein on his orchestra and singers. Priscilla is a vocally demanding show from everyone on stage and it was very obvious to me that David had everyone well drilled, there was great pace and flow, balance was good between the vocals and the orchestra. The harmonies were tight and strong but not overpowering. Sound by Mash Audiovisual was good with no gremlins but there were a few late mics on the performance that I saw. Lighting by Rob Armstrong, RA Design, was sympathetic to the scenes and worked well with the projections. Costumes by Charades Theatrical Costume Hire were very fitting to the scenes .

The ensemble worked very hard to deliver all the choreography from Choreographer Jessica McEvoy, it is difficult to balance a cupcake, smile, move about without bumping into each other and stay in time with the music so, well done! I loved the energy and joy that this ensemble brought. Nick Angus as Tick brought his own personal gentleness to his characterisation, he had a believable Australian accent which he maintained right up to the end. Chris Griffin as Felicia used his stage space well, personally I would have liked to have seen more from him in both “Sempre Libera” and “Kylie Medley” I felt as if his character went very little all of a sudden instead of continuing as the huge character that Felicia is. Darren Fricker as Bernadette showed some great chemistry with Tick and Felicia and with Bob (Keith McEvoy), the characterisation was strong and nicely understated. The scenes between Bernadette and Bob came across very natural and not staged at all – lovely.

I was a little disappointed that the boys didn`t make it back on to the bus in time for the lights going back up in one scene on the evening that I attended however I do understand that there are some very quick costume changes in Priscilla. There were some nerves evident from The Diva`s at times but they soon settled down and delivered some strong vocals. The costumes all looked fabulous, but it was a little distracting when The Diva`s were flicking their dress trains (not part of the dress choreography). Gillian Walsh as Marion was lovely to watch – she was so natural and her Australian accent seemed as if she were a true native. I must mention Dan Fielden, his performance of “Thank God I`m A Country Boy” singing, moving and playing a musical instrument was a delight.

Thank you for inviting me, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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