Priscilla Queen Of The Desert – The Musical, At Birmingham Hippodrome Review

Reviewed by Julie Hayward

I was really looking forward to tonight’s performance, it was a long-awaited return to a musical, in my opinion what theatres do best. I received the e tickets in advance and a follow up email from the Hippodrome giving me all the details I needed, welcoming patrons back and the measures that had been put in place to make the experience as safe as possible. It also included advice on traveling to the theatre and the timings of the show. We arrived by train, and it was only about a five-minute walk from New Street Station, taking the Southside exit onto Hill Street.
I had seen a short trailer online by Jason Donovan one of the show’s producers, so it was no surprise that the huge billboard lit up outside was of the three Drag Queens in full showgirl costumes surrounded by pink glitter, this set the scene for the fun night we had ahead of us.

After getting a drink and settling into our seats, we were informed by the theatres Director what a special evening this was for her and her team, that this was the first press night in 535 days since theatres all over the country were closed.
The curtain went up to great applause and we were treated to an array of dancers performing to well-known hits such as ‘it’s raining men, halleluiah’, Tina Turner’s ‘what’s love got to do with it’ and The Pet Shop boys ‘Go West’. The choreography was superb, and the dance routines were on point. A special mention should go to the three singers who were all amazing throughout the show and seemed to remain on the stage the entire time.

We find ourselves at the ‘Cock or Two Club’ where drag acts perform and we meet the main character Mitzi, played by Edwin Ray. After a phone call Mitzi decides to take his show into the Outback of Australia where someone special is waiting to meet him. He then sets about recruiting fellow performers Bernadette, played by Miles Western and Felicia, played by Nick Hayes, both have their own personal reasons for agreeing to embark on this adventure.

Transport is needed and this came in the form of an old bus called ‘Pricilla’. The set changes involving the construction of the title character Pricilla are cleverly done, taking us on this journey. Yet more songs are woven into the narrative, such as ‘I say a little prayer’ by Aretha Franklin, at a funeral and ‘don’t’ hurt me this way’ by The Communards.
Along the way the trio faced some hostilities and discrimination, giving us a glimpse into the darker side often faced by the ‘Drag’ community.

Overall, this is a feel good show where some heart-warming relationships are formed amongst a glitter filled, feathery world of song and dance. The audience were on their feet applauding and dancing along to the final numbers. I left feeling very happy that live performances are back on stage.

Rating: 5/5

Ticket costs from £27

Pricilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical is at the Birmingham Hippodrome
From Wed 1st September to Sat 4th September
For more information or to book tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call the box office on 0844 338 5000

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B54 4TB