Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical, New Theatre Oxford Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
In perfect joy filled style, the New Theatre Oxford celebrated its reopening after being closed for 525 days, with the award-winning, renowned musical Priscilla Queen of The Desert! This iconic, much loved show is now back with a bang and touring the UK and Ireland!
The New Theatre Oxford is an impressive venue, situated right in the centre of the historic city. Although parking in Oxford can be tricky, there is an excellent Park and Ride service and the theatre is only a ten minute walk from both the railway and bus stations. The New Theatre has an expansive, deluxe auditorium, with comfortable seats giving lots of leg room and is completely access friendly. Service and communication are impeccable and staff go out of their way to look after customers, we were very well looked after from start to finish.
Inspired by the Australian cult comedy film of the same name, Priscilla tells the story of three friends who bravely cross the Australian Outback on a battered old pink bus called Priscilla to put on a show of a lifetime. The story is full of fun, warmth and inclusivity – the perfect feel good tonic for current times! Despite being a show determined not to be taken seriously, the underlying themes of friendship, tolerance and acceptance are thought provoking and as relevant now as they were in the 90’s when the film was released.
Delving into a rich catalogue of hits, which weave deftly around the unfolding story, Priscilla Queen of the Desert had the audience clapping and toe tapping from the start. With a fast flow of back to back disco favourites such as ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and my personal favourite, ‘Go West’ the performance is filled to the brim with superb music!
The very talented cast really give it their all and are full of energy and commitment from start to finish. The three main characters are portrayed with emotional depth beyond the hilarious quick quips. Miles Western is brilliant and gives a stellar, convincing performance as proud and funny aging star Bernadette. Nick Hayes is also superb as Felicia/Adam, with a performance that is full of energy and confidence, he is an immensely talented and mesmerising as both a singer and dancer. Edwin Ray is so likeable and full of warmth and honesty as the conflicted Tick/Mitzi, with note perfect vocals and charisma.
The production never holds back and is a constant full-on treat for the eyes as well as the ears, with every scene a riotous rainbow of colour, with fabulous every changing costumes and sky high wigs and heels.
Sequin sprinkled, full of sparkle and spectacular, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is the perfect celebration of friendship and inclusivity and a glitter filled extravaganza! The standing ovation at the end was utterly deserved – huge congratulations to the cast and crew!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13.00 plus transaction fee of £3.65
Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is at New Theatre, Oxford from Mon 23 August – Sat 28 Aug 2021, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-the-musical/new-theatre-oxford/ or call 0333 009 6690
24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG