As I write this, I have just got in from watching South Hill Park’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the musical. I’ve still got my coat on, because I had to put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keys) that which has been going through my head the whole drive home. This production deserves to have a sell out run, because it is – hands down – one of the best things I have ever seen the arts centre do. My throat is hoarse from whooping, my hands are sore from clapping and my cheeks hurt from smiling. Quite simply, my heart is full of joy.
The story of three slightly jaded drag queens driving Priscilla the bus across the Australian outback was originally featured in a film that has received cult-like status since it came out just over 25 years ago. And there is a reason why this story of friendship, drag craft and acceptance is such an enduring one. I wasn’t sure how it could become a musical, but I shouldn’t have doubted it, because it has a song book full of much-loved iconic hits that felt like it was written for it, much like that magic only achieved by the likes of Mamma Mia! and & Juliet.
Right from the opening number, it is clear this production is something special and the talent of this community theatre company knows no bounds. I don’t want to spoil too much in terms of the production design (especially the costumes, which are unbelievable) but when the curtains parted to reveal a certain four-wheeled wonder, I gasped with delight.
It almost goes without saying the three leads are unbelievably good. But I won’t let it go without saying, because they deserve the praise being heaped upon them. Stu Haylor as Tick / Mitz Mitosis gives a beautiful performance as the self-professed drag queen on the verge of a nervous breakdown, trying to reach his son. Keir Bust as Adam / Felicia Jollygoodfellow does not need his candlestick costume from Beauty and the Beast to shine energy from every cell. And Gordon Cowell gives so much care and nuance to his portrayal of Bernadette Bassinger, the only one of the three who is a trans woman.
But this is a real team effort. The dance numbers are fantastic, the singing talents of the Three Divas – Connie Burgess, Amy Cowie and Siobhan Hardy – are out of this world, and the cast of characters they meet along the way are superb. Dave Edwards as the true gentlemen in Bob, Austin Marshall as the face of prejudice in Ronnie, Gerri Farrell as the scene-stealing barmaid Shirley and Jaysha Crankshaw as the completely hilarious Cynthia all deserve special mentions.
Let’s address the drag queen in the room. There were more than a few raised eyebrows when South Hill Park announced Priscilla would be the show to take its main Easter slot (which was occupied by the more family-friendly Beauty and the Beast last year). But this production, superbly directed by Nick Brannan, proved the haters wrong. Everywhere I looked, the audience were smiling, dancing, enjoying themselves. And in a week where the LGBTQ+ community has had it rough (to say the least…) Priscilla is the beacon of love, light and joy we all needed to prove the haters wrong.
The production is only on until Easter Monday, so if you can get your hands on a ticket, do.
Priscilla, I see your true colours. And you truly are beautiful like a rainbow.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert runs at South Hill Park until Monday 21 April. Tickets are available online. Please note, there is a 14+ age guidance on the show, as there is some quite colourful language and mature themes.
