Last night the Palace Theatre in Manchester brightly sparkled for the press night of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I took my mum with me for a fun night of disco anthems!
I had somehow missed the original film that was released in 1994 but I have seen the musical once before back in 2019 and I loved it! Jason Dononvan starred in the original West End Production and now has joined as a Producer.
The story of Priscilla is a celebration of drag, camp and friendship. We follow three friends (two drags and a transgender woman) that take an epic journey across the Australian outback. As they ‘Go West’ they face tolerance and acceptance but also prejudice and bigoted behaviour.
The musical is based on a film that opened in cinemas 25 years ago, but it didn’t feel dated at all. The issues raised were very relevant for today.
As well as a lot of make-up, outrageous costumes and some fabulous dancing a very serious plot and message shone through the entire show.
Tick (played by Edwin Ray) planned to travel across Australia to finally meet his 6 year old son. With friend and fellow Drag Queen Felicia (Nick Hayes) and Transgender women Bernadette (Miles Western), they plan to put on an amazing show. Little did they know that their pink bus (named Priscilla) will take them on a journey that had the audience laughing and crying.
This heart-warming tale had the most fabulous costumes including some sensational ‘cake’ dresses! The set was extremely clever, with a bus that came apart so the audience could see the outside and inside. The story was serious at times, at one point the trio meet some homophobic locals that graffi their bus. Classic songs such as ‘It’s Raining Men’ and ‘Hot Stuff’ plus some pretty vulgar jokes (all taken in good spirits) keep the audience laughing!
The whole cast put on an amazing show with some fantastic singers from the three Diva’s and absolutely sensational dancing from the ensemble.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is on at the Palace Theatre Manchester now until the 16th October 2021 . More information about this show and how to book can be found here.
Out and about mummy 