Last week I unleashed my inner Aussie Drag Queen to watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical in the West End.
The show was pretty much everything I’d hoped it would be – great story, fabulous costumes, amazing props and an insanely catchy soundtrack.
For those not familiar with the tale, the story follows three of Sydney’s prime “gender illusionists” (drag queens) as they take their show on the road to the red centre of Australia – Alice Springs. Priscilla is the pink bus they travel in, and she’s a formidable stage presence, complete with a giant high-heel shoe on her roof.
On the way, the three main characters: Tick (aka Mitzi Mitosis), Adam (Felicia) and Bernadette confront the prejudices of outback Australia, while donning some awesome costumes and performing some real showstoppers. They sing themselves, and are also assisted by three big-haired chanteuses who belt out disco tunes with the best of them.
This is a pacy, feelgood show, infused with the spirit of the Aussie desert –harsh and tough but at the same time beautiful and beguiling. The same can be said of the characters, whose journey through the outback also leads to discoveries of inner strength. Plus they learn the importance of friendship, a good mechanic (a solid gold cameo from Ray Meagher – Home & Away’s Alf Stewart) and a Kylie soundrack.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is currently booking until 28 May in London. Buy Priscilla tickets here.
