This week I had the pleasure of seeing the current stage adaptation of beloved, Aussie masterpiece, Priscilla Queen of the Desert… I was blown away. It was fantastic. Just fantastic.
If you’re somehow unfamiliar with the story of Priscilla, it follows drag queen Anthony who agrees to take his act on the road at the invitation of his ex-wife and mother of his child. He enlists the help of young, up & comer, Adam and an ageing icon in the Transgender, Bernadette. In their colourful bus, named Priscilla, the three performers travel across the Australian desert performing for both enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals alike, facing numerous challenges & forming relationships along the way. But when the other two performers learn the truth about why Anthony took the job, it threatens their act and their friendship… that description doesn’t do it justice but it’s a start.
The performances on the night had you forgetting all about the film and focussing on the singing, dancing and clever stage production on display. The soundtrack alone! Go West! I love the Nightlife! I say a little Prayer! All these among a host of disco classics and hits from ‘our’ Kylie to boot! The show is a triumph in its own right and is a joyous celebration of pride, love and above all friendship. You could sense the joy in the room from the opening curtain to the very end where it received a deserved standing ovation… Go see it if you get the chance!