Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Is A Delight

So I’ll start with a true story. I first saw Priscilla the Musical around 10 years ago in the West End. I sat so high up that I virtually got a nose bleed and couldn’t see the bus (aka Priscilla) but what I could see, and hear, was great, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again at the Wolves Grand last night. I can happily say, that in the hands of the talented Bilston Operatic Company it is just fabulous. Full of great performances, with an incredible set and those iconic disco hits, Priscilla Queen of the Desert may just be the perfect night out.

Synopsis

Priscilla tells the story of a road trip from Sydney to Alice Springs. Making the journey are two drag queen’s, Mitzi (aka Tick), Felicia (Adam) and an ageing Trans Woman, Bernadette. Tick is going to meet his 8 year old son for the first time, whilst Bernadette’s husband has just died.  Adam has a dream that involves singing Kylie hits on Ayers Rock, leading to the famous line (A cock, in a frock, on a rock).

The journey is fraught to say the least. Adam and Bernadette have a prickly, love/hate relationship, and it is clear to say that redneck towns and drag queen’s do not mix, leading to abuse, prejudice and, at one stage, violence. But this is a musical that is packed with feelgood, often laugh out loud moments, and, with the introduction of kindly mechanic Bob, a little romance. By the end of the show the audience is on their feet, swept up by the sheer exileration of the story.

Cast

The casting is just glorious. As the leads, Matt Elson (Tick), Tim Brown (Bernadette) and Adam Partridge (Adam) are perfect in every way, funny, poignant and with a great chemistry that makes you believe their relationships.  They have so many highlights, from Tick as Mitzi in the puppet dress, Bernadette showing us how to perfectly lip sync and Adam’s introduction via the song Venus.

I adored the super talented divas (Stacey Lovatt, Heather Mills, Katie Walker) who act like a Greek chorus for the musical and look and sound incredible. Mike James gives a touching performance as the hugely likeable Bob, whilst Issy Checketts is hilarious as the very saucy Cynthia, complete with ping pong balls (use your imagination!). Edward Jones as Benji is a charming, confident performer with a huge future ahead of him.

The ensemble perform with aplomb, with musical numbers like Go West, Colour My World and Thank God I’m a Country Boy as standouts.

The staging is impeccable, the costumes range from the sublime to the ridiculous but are never less than stunning, and the direction from Tye Harris is flawless.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is an absolute smash that will make you laugh out loud, then wipe away a tear. Just wonderful.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the musical

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 

Until Saturday 25th October 

Click here for ticket information 

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