Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical

It is not hard to imagine how the visual splendour of the original 1994 film could be transposed to the stage. This tenth-anniversary return run lives up to every expectation and is just as flamboyant and impish as the film. This musical version is an absolute extravaganza of glittering costumes, awesome sets and fabulous musical talent.

The staging of this unlikely road trip to the outback to put on a drag performance in an Alice Springs casino is a story that has enchanted audiences worldwide. Tick’s (David Harris) desire to connect with his son is at the forefront of the narrative and enables the show to emphasise its important message of tolerance and inclusivity. However, there is always room for the gleeful subversive tone provided by the three main characters: Bernadette (Tony Sheldon) is less jaded but just as tough and compassionate, Tick is plagued by self-doubt which is conveyed with poignancy, and a raucous Felicia (Euan Doidge) provides an extremely facetious perspective to the unexpected events they encounter along the road.

There are both very recognisable and original designs in this production and this makes the show wonderfully familiar yet new and refreshing. Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner continue with their no-holds-barred approach to the drag queen apparel and create some outrageously inventive costumes. This is a show with guaranteed doses of fun and laughter framed by some excellent singing, dancing and ensemble stagecraft. 

The Diva vocalists, Angelique Cassimatis, Samm Hagen and Cle Morgan, are supported by the smashing big band sound of the orchestra and this makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Frequently belting out canonical hits such as “It’s Raining Men” and “Finally” while suspended in mid-air, these highly talented singers exhibit astonishing flair and incredible power.

Shirley (Emma Powell), the manager of the unwelcoming pub in Broken Hill, is also masterfully portrayed. This allows for complete empathy with the glamorous drag queens and highlights the often hypocritical nature of hostility towards the gay community. The Priscilla bus is a fantastic feature of the staging which is used as both a backdrop and a setting for many of the joys and challenges experienced throughout the journey.

The iconic value of Priscilla is fully exploited in this production to ensure that the brash nature of Australian identity is always endearing and a source of pride. This is a show that continues in the tradition of the film and is able to bring out the best of our culture by poking fun at some of our most unique national characteristics and idiosyncrasies.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Ben Symons