Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
27 January to 1 February 2020
Reviewed by Alex Wilde
Nottingham’s Theatre Royal has never been more resplendent – last night the stars of ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ burst onto stage with one of the most uplifting and dazzling musicals I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching.
Based on the quirky 1994 cult-hit film, ‘The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert’, the musical comedy charts the journey of two drag queens and a transgender woman as they travel from Sydney across the Australian outback to perform in Alice Springs. On-board the temperamental titular tour bus Priscilla, the ladies’ friendships, identities, responsibilities and hearts are challenged during a myriad of both outlandish and relevant encounters.
From the captivating opening act of ‘Raining Men’ and unabashed innuendo of Miss Understanding (Kevin Yates – channelling his inner Tina Turner marvellously) there was certainly no way to misread the tone of the show. We were in for an exhilarating ride of skilful choreography, forever moving scenery, musical direction awash with dance-floor hits and a superfluity of extravagant costumes.
Joe McFadden, of TV and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fame, plus stalwarts of stage Miles Western and Nick Hayes are the charming trinity. The casting and relationships of Mitzi, Bernadette and Felicia is perfect, they exemplify their dreams and fears and charming idiosyncrasies in every look and gesture. Each role demands an incredible amount physically from the stars and they surpass expectations in sound and step! Mitzi’s loving vulnerability and personal journey as estranged father is the driver for the road-trip and is emotionally rewarding. Accompanying her on their own paths of self-discovery and love: dignified but world-weary Bernadette and boisterously bitchy Felicia spar wonderfully – filling the theatre with laughter; joyfully punctuating the rapturous applause after every scene.
The boys’ baritones are balanced by three core Divas who hit those high notes and subtly shape the narrative, these accomplished singers perfectly complement the immensely talented wider ensemble who act, sing and dance with fervour in an array of enthralling costumes. Each part of the performance was equally strong, we wished away the interval and like Kylie desired more, more, more!
Priscilla is so much more than superficial camp spectacle; two powerful and important scenes of homophobia and transphobia are quite affecting. The audience was uncomfortable and low audible hum of outrage was shared at the treatment of the trio – this was a clear testament to the superb writing and acting which had created a deep emotional attachment to the ladies. Some of the bigots may have been overly caricatured, but the hate and prejudices were real and painful and sadly not yet consigned to history.
A fabulous and inspirational musical comedy full of heart and soul, exploding with colour, glitter, sequins and a transcendent cast. Treat ya’ self like a Queen and book your tickets now darling! Five splendid stars!
Following the highly-deserved standing ovation and the audience’s best dance moves, the cast and crew made an appropriate appeal for donations towards the humanitarian and environmental disaster occurring in Australia. Please take some spare change, you’ll be buoyant beyond belief as you exit and glad to contribute.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £45 (booking fees may apply).
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 27 January to 1 February 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND
