Reviewed by Jenny Seymour
If you have not seen the movie first shown 25 years ago (gosh I can’t quite believe that myself!), this cult classic tells the triumphant story of 3 drag queens reunited for one final show which could prove to be the most important show of their lives, particularly for Tick (Joe McFadden) who has kept a few secrets that his companions Bernadette (Miles Western) and Adam/Felicia (played fabulously tonight by Justin-Lee Jones).
There were a few first-night hiccups last night, but that did not stop the audience, who were clapping along and singing from the very first note! Even if you haven’t seen the movie or show before, I would defy you not to enjoy the music with such classics as Don’t Leave Me This Way; Venus; Go West, Shake Your Groove Thing and of course, I Will Survive! Not to mention the Kylie medley on top of Ayres Rock (which was sung so well by Justin-Lee Jones and was a particularly poignant moment, as Felicia gets to live her dream after learning some harsh lessons of life en-route).
Before the show even starts, you are met with the unmistakable voice of the show’s new producer, Jason Donavan, who starred in the original west end production 13 years ago. We then meet Miss Understanding and are introduced to her amazing drag act, taking on no other than Tina Turner herself and also taking on some “lip” from the audience (but her quick wit soon put them back in their place!). Kevin Yates played this part superbly.
The set brings Priscilla herself to life and we are taken on the road trip (and their individual journeys) from the safe haven that is Sydney, through the outback, to the less-inviting Coober Pedy and then ultimately, to meet Tick’s son and wife (first surprise!) in Alice Springs.
Other than the way Priscilla was created and transformed on stage, I didn’t think the set was particularly imaginative. Instead the show lets the costumes and performances take centre stage. The central performances were generally strong, particularly the singing voices. Whilst Joe McFadden’s singing voice was strong, stand out performances for me were Miles Western as Bernadette (who moves with grace and Hollywood glamour from the hopeless romantic who has almost given up on finding true love to the matriarch who’s sharp tongue seems to win every battle), Justin-Lee Jones as Felicia (his solo performances were outstanding and he had legs and a figure to die for!) and the soulfulness of the 3 Divas was incredible. All-in-all the singing was outstanding and the harmonies of the 3 main characters as they stand together at the top of Ayres Rock in full drag was beautiful.
The heart of the show, though, is the drag – often sexy and never subtle, but with lots of sass! The drag elements have been brought more up to date and the initial act by Felicia (Venus) was far from the lip-syncing flamboyance that historically was “drag”. With great energy throughout and the costumes – flamboyant and comedic to say the least, all the dancers were superb jumping from overly camp to straight characters with the flick of a high kick! Special mention has to go to Cynthia and her “pop” music – I hadn’t seen such sights since I was in Bangkok 25 years ago!!! An altogether hilarious scene.
Full of inuendo, laughter, but very poignant moments – I defy anyone to go and not find their feet tapping.
There is of course a serious message to all this frivolity. Whilst LGBT rights and acceptance of transsexuals has come a long way since Priscilla first hit our screens 25 years ago, the world is still full of people such as those homophobic locals we meet in this musical in Coober Pedy – small minded bigots who do not accept people for who they are. It was so good to hear the cries of support from the audience when Bernadette comes in to save Felicia when she just wanted to “have a bit of fun”. It’s not easy for people who are faced with such bigotry every day of their lives to stand up for who they are. They get worn down (as we see in Tick at the start of the show).
The show is incredibly camp, but what more can you expect of this colourful tale.
Fun, Frolics and Fabulous Frocks! This cult classic does not disappoint and will have you singing this medley of disco hits long after you’ve left the theatre.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £15 (booking fees may apply).
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield from 2-7 March 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
[Please also note: If you park in the local Q Park car park, remember to claim your 1 hour FREE ticket from one of the members of the theatre staff before you leave.]
Lyceum Theatre, Norfolk St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000
