Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Amanda Browne

We arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre on a wet and windy, dark Monday evening ready to be entertained by the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Ticket collection from the lovely staff was quick and easy. It would have been nice to enjoy a drink in the newly opened Garden Room, but it was closed which meant limited seating was available in the very busy foyer.

We took to our seats in row HH which have a great view of the stage. I couldn’t see any empty seats, so a sell-out opening night crowd eagerly awaited the start of the show. There was so many fantastic tunes in this show I can’t remember which one opened, but I can tell you at one point I thought CeCe Peniston herself was in the building. I don’t think there was anyone that wasn’t tapping their toes in the first 30 seconds.

I haven’t seen the movie but had heard great things about this show, I wasn’t misinformed, it was fabulous darling. The story follows three drag queens played fantastically by Joe McFadden, Miles Western and Nick Hayes, set in Australia, who set off on tour together. Priscilla is the bus! Which I had no clue about. These three guys walked effortlessly in their heels we had some serious shoe envy! There was some of the longest legs I’ve seen in a long time on display!! The story is about tolerance and prejudice. How people’s perception and judgement can be so cruel. Some scenes heart-breaking because the truth hurts. People can be so so cruel with their small-minded comments and behaviour and this show really is quite thought provoking. The saucy innuendos and smutty comments made me laugh out loud. It’s equally funny and entertaining. Maybe not the show for under 16s but my 18-year-old daughter laughed lots. It’s almost worth seeing for the ping pong ball number alone, which was hilarious.

The singing is outstanding so many talented voices. Too many brilliant songs to mention but favourites were Hot Stuff, True Colours and I Will Survive. There wasn’t a disco tune I didn’t know, and I loved them all. The dancing was fantastic along with the huge variety of stunning costumes. So many brightly coloured fantastic outfits, especially in the finale this really is an all singing dancing musical that will leave you wanting to see it again and again. Special mention to the Divas … just wow ladies, you all have such brilliant voices. Guys thank you for an amazing musical spectacular you all thoroughly deserved the standing ovation at the end. Priscilla it was our pleasure to be in your company can’t wait to come again, what an amazing ride you took us on tonight. The show is at Milton Keynes until Saturday, grab your tickets before it’s too late.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 (booking fees may apply).

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 30 September to 5 October 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ