PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Tue 12 Jan
Currently on its UK tour, the Tony and Olivier award-nominated Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is currently strutting its way across the boards at the Wales Millennium Centre (in six-inch heels).
Based on the 1994 cult hit, Priscilla follows the journey of two drag queens and a transsexual from the bustle of the Sydney night life, through the desert to a casino show in Alice Springs. Headed by the charismatic premiere ‘gender illusionist’, Tick (played by the lovable, often dad-dancing, Jason Donovan), the three encounter everything from drunken locals to mail-order Thai brides.
Dripping in sequins, feathers and more six-packs than you can shake a stick at this racy show includes gorgeously gaudy performances from some of the UK’s best musical theatre talents. On an icy night in the Capital the bubbling flamboyance and energy of Adam Bailey (as young drag act, Felicia) is enough to banish any January blues. The towering presence of Bernadette, the sharp-tongued transsexual (played by the wonderful Simon Greene), glows as a Katherine Hepburn-esque starlet adding an extra layer of heart to the Aussie drag scene.
For those disco enthusiasts among us the soundtrack showcases some of the biggest (and campest) hits known to man. With classics ranging from Downtown to Boogie Wonderland and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, stopping yourself from joining the outrageously bad lip syncing of the Queens is nearly impossible.
The deliciously decadent production is a quick fire of innuendos and sassy quips. Coupled with the hilariously accurate portrayal of Tina Turner by over-the-top Miss Understanding (the divine Callum Macdonald) Priscilla is the perfect accompaniment to a girls night out or evening with friends.
The production value is astounding and the legs on some of those Queens is something to behold so if you’re looking for a night filled with fabulousity you’ve come to the right place. A word of advice: don’t see Priscilla if you can’t handle the idea of the Gloria Gaynor classic I Will Survive replaying in your head for the rest of the evening!
words BECKY ADDIS, photos PAUL COLTAS