Priscilla Queen of The Desert
Loved it, loved it, loved it, darlings. xxx
Norwich Theatre Playhouse
If ever there was an appropriate time for an evening of musical fantasy, sartorial splendour and glittering extravagance then surely it is now. Why work yourself into a downward spiral of doom and gloom over the price of petrol, the price of electricity, in fact, the price of absolutely everything, when all that is needed is a visit to the theatre? And what better escape route could anyone wish for than a ticket to ride with Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?
First conceived as a film, but latterly transformed into a glorious jukebox musical, Priscilla has become an iconic vehicle that inspires and champions the right to be exactly who you want to be, and she certainly does it with bells on. This production uses a pre-recorded instrumental track, but all of the vocals we hear are performed live, and are done so with a generous helping of affection and aplomb.
Local theatre company Sound Ideas first brought their version of Priscilla to the stage in 2018. Four years later, and with brand new bespoke costumes and an astonishing new set, Priscilla is back, and ready to roll. Certainly the audience that had packed into Norwich Theatre Playhouse for the opening night seemed effervescent with anticipation, and as the disco balls swirled and the opening chords of 'It's Raining Men' reverberated around the auditorium, we settled back, and let the cast magic us off to a land far, far away.
The triumvirate of glamour that brings together the characters of Mitzi Mitosis, Felicia Jollygoodfellow and Bernadette Bassenger consists of Matt Squance, Alex Green and Christopher Nicoll. Each is superb, but Nicoll is absolutely stunning as he returns to the role for a second time for Sound Ideas, and poaches the limelight again and again. The trio’s diva foils are played by Holly Graham, Emily Sidnell, and Tina Dalzell, who create their own charismatic presence, adding a powerful additional energy to the show's already dynamic thrust.
For fans of the film, all the favourite characters are present, from good old Bob the mechanic (Jon Bennett) to Marion (Kate Pantry) as manager of Lasseters at Alice Springs. One of the film's most moving moments comes when Marion's son Benji (Archie Woodward) is reunited with his father (Mitzi), and is serenaded to the Elvis song 'Always On My Mind'. Talk about not a dry eye in the house.
From the emu headgear to the ping-pong popping cabaret, all your favourite moments and lines from the movie are recreated in this uplifting and exhilarating production. And Priscilla, herself, is an absolute star, rotating herself regally to expose her interior with nothing more than a neatly executed half rotation. But, then again, she is the Queen of the Desert. What else would one expect?
Loved it, loved it, loved it, darlings. xxx
