| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I last saw Priscilla in London for Tony Sheldon'a farewell performance (though have seen it since on Broadway). With the show now closing in London I thought a final visit was called for as its one of my favourite musicals. The camp glitz and glamour of the show never fails to raise a smile and although some of the cast seemed at first a little tired, presumably from the hectic Christmas schedule, the energy of the show got them through. Of the principals, Richard Grieve seemed somewhat weak as Tick both vocally and in his performance, Ray Meagher as Bob was competent if somewhat one dimensional with little light and shade to the character, Don Gallagher was rather enjoyable to watch as Bernadette. He may seem like a man in drag rather than the woman Bernadette has become, but he does deliver a good performance with warmth and depth. Oliver Thornton is however, the star of the show now. His Confide In Me towards the end was delivered with real gusto and I loved the way he lapped up and enjoyed the ovation during the finale, clearly well aware that in a few days this wonderful journey will be at an end. Not a perfect performance by any means but still a fantastic night out. Will be sad to see Priscilla go :-( - Paul Wallis | 28 Dec 11 |
| This is definitely the best show in London . Very uplifting and it definately makes you forgot all your worries for a couple of hours. The customs are the best I've seen in a London show and the music also fab. Great night out. - Philip | 16 Jun 10 |
| Saw it again last week. Stalls seats. Amazing show. Oliver Thornton steals it really with his characterisation and voice..this guy can SING and ACT! Well worth my hard earned £70.00. I thought HAIR might be similar but that's another strory, see my review! Will be going again to see Priscilla, worth every penny. - Dave Woolrich | 27 May 10 |
| Bloody Brilliant.
3 glitter drops in under 40 mins in act one. genius.
- Cassox | 26 Mar 10 |
| Going to see it for the third time end of April, Lorraine Kelly has seen it more than me!! Shame Tony is leaving he gives me goose bumps when he does the first bit 'Macarthur Park". Best show in town. - Mikey | 14 Mar 10 |
| Back for a final ride on board Priscilla and to say farewell to the cast who are leaving to whom I say thank you, especially the incomparable Tony Sheldon. The show was electric, the audience awsome. I have laughed and cried with this show many times over the past year and tonight was the most emotional of them all. Tony, the absolute professional that he is held it together brilliantly and gave as ever the most incredible performance as Bernadette. I certainly cried tears of sadness that it was the final time I’ll see him play her. Tony, you are the best!! I am so glad you came to London and am so sad that we've come to the end of the road. Or maybe not; hopefully next stop Broadway?? If so, I'll be there ;-) - Paul Wallis | 10 Mar 10 |
| I just can't get enough of this show. Every time I go, it makes me want to go again. Tonight was a full cast with no changes and a chance to get up and close and revel in some fine performances. Being close to the front, you really get a different perspective. I can certainly see why Oliver Thornton won his WOS award. As for Tony Sheldon, that man is a STAR. When he is on stage I just can't look at anyone else. Its a rare thing for me but I will be back again this week on Saturday to say farewell to Tony and to some of the other cast. This show has left a last effect on me and its all good :-) - Paul Wallis | 02 Mar 10 |
| If you are thinking of seeing this show...don't just think...GO!
I have been lucky enough to see the show in Sydney 3x, Melbourne once and now London twice. It just keeps getting better.
It is the type of show that makes you smile from ear to ear and leave the theatre feeling good. The true example of a feel good musical.
The performances are excellent...although Tony Sheldon is still the standout - however saw an understudy on Saturday and he was almost as good. It bodes well for when Tony leaves the show.
Why not 5 stars...well in my opinion the 2nd act is still by far the weakest. Please consider ditching 'thank god I'm a country bou'...it doesn't fit the rest of the show. Also once they hit the casino...it just doesn't have any punch....again ' boogie wonderland' not the greatest. However the changes made since Australia are all good, I would just like some more before Broadway...and yes I will try to see it there.
Long live Priscilla Queen of the Desert - Nesby | 22 Feb 10 |
| This is my 6th time to see Priscilla, though the first time I've enjoyed it from the stalls and what a much better experience it was being so close to the action. Once again I had a ball. Priscilla remains the campest, most fun show in town. Whatever troubles I had before the show they were forgotten for the evening. As ever the majestic Tony Sheldon was outstaning. If he doesn't win the WOS award for his performance there is no justice in the world. Jason Donovan gets better and better as Tick/Mitzi, he truly now inhabits the role and plays it with gusto. Matthew Cole was on for Adam/Felicia and I think I'm enjoying his performance more than Oliver Thornton's now. I had a brilliant night. I think visit number 7 is on the cards ;-) - Paul Wallis | 12 Dec 09 |
| At the end of a difficult few weeks, I really looked forward to seeing this show again.
At Fridays performance we had Craig Ryder on for Jason Donovan as Tick/Mitzi. He gave a competent if unremarkable performance. Oliver Thornton as Felicia/Adam was a litle underpowered vocally but was as wonderfully camp and brash as ever. The excellent Tony Sheldon as Bernadette once again led the way with a superb performance that touched all emotions.
The ensemble were on great form and the show once again delivered a great dose of feelgood fun. It should be prescribed on the NHS :-) I will be back again! - Paul Wallis | 01 Nov 09 |
| THE best thing ive seen on the west end. Anyone with a sense of humor and opne mind will undoubtedly have a brilliant time. Ive seen it 3 times, and am going again this week. Yes its camp, the jokes are crude, and the songs arent originals...but that just makes the show, and who cares when you have the AMAZING cast and talent that you will find upon seeing this show. DEFINITLY worthy of 5 stars, and would recommend to anyone! - emily | 25 Oct 09 |
| amaazzing musical. GReat tunes and fab coostumes :) IF YOU DIDNT ENJOY IT YOU MUST BE REALLLY OLD OR REALLLY BORRIING and you need to get out more. - Benney L | 25 Sep 09 |
| Fantastic uplifting feel good show. Oliver plays the part of Adam fantastically. The bonus...he has a body to die for!!!! - Jues T | 28 Aug 09 |
| This show is HOT and I'm not talking about the temperature in the theatre - boy does this theatre need air con! Yet again I loved this show, a real feel good treat. Excellent performances all round led by the exemplary Tony Sheldon. Great, great fun - Paul Wallis | 28 Jun 09 |
| I didn't review this show after my first visit 10 weeks ago; it wouldn't have been fair given the appalling Grand Circle front row seats, resulting in a much restricted view and body contortions which eventually sent me to stand at the back! Well, it doesn't have the charm or poignancy of the film, but it's certainly a spectacle. If you go for a tonic from relentless news about the credit crunch and MP's on the make, and don't set your theatrical expectations too high. you'll have a ball. The bus and the costumes alone are worth the ticket price. It's clearly become a party destination - girls and gays night out - which creates a great atmosphere, but at the expense of good sound; with the volume turned up to the point of muddiness. The cheers greeting the Thai bride's entrance suggest a significant chunk of the audience have been before, confirming the party destination theory. A lot of fun! - Gareth James | 14 Jun 09 |
| loved this show so much going again with a big group, and Les cage aux folles is great, thank goodness graham norton left, it was just graham norton in a wig.
- Mikey | 05 Jun 09 |
| One of the joys of the West End is seeing Waiting for Godot and then Priscilla Queen of the Desert 48 hours later. Much to my surprise it was Godot which I found more enjoyable. I can't quite work out why Priscilla didn't work for me, although my mood wasn't helped by the appallingly inconsiderate behaviour of the morons in the row in front of us. All the ingredients for a great night are in place - costumes, lights, already familiar songs and enthusiastic performances, including one of high quality from Tony Sheldon. I think the problem was that I couldn't engage with the tediously narcisistic characters and the plodding lack of real interest to the story; Unlike La Cage there is no warmth betwen the principals. Most of the audience seemed to be having a great time but it felt like being a stranger at a fancy dress party.
Postscript: Having listened to the CD it's clear I just wasn't in a good enough mood on the night so perhaps Priscilla deserves another visit.
- David Baxter | 31 May 09 |
| Fantastic show, it was bright, camp, colourful, foot tapping, enjoyable, fun, entertaining and much more besides. A brilliant evening's entertainment. - Anna | 19 May 09 |
| Brilliant show well worth a second visit or in my case third. Cast are fantastic amazing energy very camp but I don't think the show would be as good if it didn't have the fabulous Tony Sheldon as Bernadette he really makes the show. The divas also have amazing vocals and the ensemble are among the hardest working in the West End at the moment. Watch out for Danielle Coombe playing Shirley the Landlady hilarious. - Trumpet | 15 May 09 |
| Fantastic Night Out! Loved the show! The floor could use with a coat of paint - perhaps the same shade of red would help.... - Mr Hewitt | 12 May 09 |
| LOVED this show!!-it exceeded my expectations hugely-thought it would be yet another compilation-type show,but I felt it actually improved on the film rather than replicating it.You can see where the high ticket charge has been spent,but am now saving up to see it again..soon !!! - David Davies | 08 May 09 |
| Wow - what a tonic! Everyone seemed to come out (excuse the pun!) enthusing about this production and with a great big smile on their face. If you are looking for culture, then book for something else, however if you want to have a party, then this is the show for you. Must admit, I've been a Jason Donovan fan since his Neighbours days so I am slightly biased however, all of the cast are outstanding. Some of the one liners are show-stopping and the audience gave it a well deserved standing ovation. Enjoy!! - Lucinda | 04 May 09 |
| I saw this show in previews and again tonight. What a difference 7 or 8 weeks makes. I loved the show the first time round but loved it even more this time. Performances were stronger and the show was tighter.
Last time I felt that Jason Donovan lacked a real understanding of his role or he least he wasn't letting the character take him over. This time I felt he was much improved and was getting into the part much more. Fine ensemble performances once again and the other leads were strong. I love Oliver Thoronton's camp vulnerability but special praise must go to Tony Sheldon who despite having played the role for such a long time seems to have developed in the part even more. He is the strength, the heartbeat, the rock of the whole show. He mesmerised me in every scene he was in. This is a wonderful feel good show and a brilliant one too. I will be going again for sure! - Paul Wallis | 01 May 09 |
| Could this show have been any gayer? Outrageous costumes - thousands of pounds worth of feathers and sequins - big shoes and bigger hair - camp tunes and camper gorgeous boys in leather!! I LOVED IT! - Stuart | 24 Apr 09 |
| A Five Star Camp Extravaganza! Fabulous OTT fun that is anything other than a DRAG! The staging is sensational with a great cast led by the wonderful Australian Tony Sheldon who was born to play the part of Bernadette - he ties the whole mad camp nonsense together brilliantly. Oliver Thornton is a real find and plays the part of Felicia to bitchy perfection. And dear ol' Jason Donovan's character, Tick the ex-hetro?, gives the story something else to hang onto other than frocks and cocks. It looked ravishing in lurid ice cream colours of the cossies and sets - like Donald McGill on acid! A standing ovation last night and as I suspect every night for this joyous celebration of drag. With a dearth of great drag artistes and drag venues since gay liberation turned most gay night spots into nothing more than sex clubs it was wonderful to spend a couple of hours reliving some of that old magic. This bus will run and run. - rds | 18 Apr 09 |
| Went last Saturday afternoon. A great fun & feelgood show.
Key to the show :-
(i) Go in
(ii) Forget your worries
(iii)Enjoy.
... simple - Ian | 12 Apr 09 |
| I have always liked the film & wondered how a stage show could recreate the outback scenes. By and large it worked quite well, with the exception of the Ayers Rock scene.
I'm giving it 4 stars for spectacle, terrific female singing trio & being generally a really fun night out. We went on a Tuesday & everyone (in the stalls at least) gave it a standing ovation. Wonder how the weekend audiences react! - alimac | 08 Apr 09 |
| On one level it's just 'putting on frocks and miming to other people's songs' wrote David. I couldn't find another level to it. - Sally Bundock | 31 Mar 09 |
| Went to see it with my husband and 12 year old daughter, Saturday 28th March and it was fantastic. Some of the audience dressed up and got applause from all seated next to them, which added to the atmosphere.
Jason Donovan was fantastic and had the tatent and stage presence far exceeding the other actors. Tony Sheldon was very good, but was obviously going to be diffrent from Terrance Stamp. I was dissapointed with Oliver Thornton, not a patch on Guy Pierce. The Diva's were all fantastic and Wezley Sebastian as Miss Understanding was fab. The costumes should win award after award. Well worth seeing and the ping pong scene was very tastefully done. Hopefully our 12 year old didn't catch on!! - Julie P | 30 Mar 09 |
| a group of 40 of us went , never had such good laugh, lots of entertainment, songs great.came out of show feeling what a great night. must go again. so there will be another 50 of us going in July. - jill.c. | 27 Mar 09 |
| Another sad drag act. But as long as it keeps the gangs of twitterers and pink cowboy-hatted drunks out of real shows, that's fine. Anyone stupid enough to pay £95 deserves everything they get. - coral | 25 Mar 09 |
| Saw the Priscilla last day of previews, 21st March. There was a standing ovation and well deserved. The set, the costumes, the cast - I couldn't fault any of it. An amazing show - not to be missed. I came out of theatre talking about it non-stop, how much I had enjoyed it. Am recommending it to EVERYONE I speak to. I would see it again without hesitation, and probably will !!!! - Michelle | 24 Mar 09 |
| Incredible. The critics are WRONG! Unforgettably brilliant. - Tiger | 24 Mar 09 |
| Watched preview on 19 March and the full house would of given standing ovasions after every number if there had been time.
totally brilliant production costumes and the whole cast were mind blowing.
The Divas were incredible singers and the 3 main leads perfect Jason Donovan has grown in to his part well and Oliver Thornton astonishing see this leave your prejudices at the door and wallow in this camp feast of spectacular brilliance It takes away the sad depressing times we live in and makes you hopelessly happy! I will be back for more - mrfrostie | 21 Mar 09 |
| NOTE TO WOS: PLEASE GET THIS REVIEW FACILTY SORTED OUT IF YOU WANT US TO POST-IT TAKES ABOUT 5 ATTEMPTS TO POST AND THE STARS REVERT BACK TO THREE IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL
Saw the show in preview in stalls seat. Well impressed. For me the main star is Oliver Thornton. I remember this guy in Rent and actually re-called his name-the part in Rent where he stood on the table and sang opera style blew my head off. He stood out in that production and equally so here. The exact measures of campness and vulnerability. A great night out but I wish people wouldn't talk while it's on. I'm booked to go again. TIP: See the film before you go. - Dave Woolrich | 20 Mar 09 |
| All I can say is "WOW" ......... what a night. You really do not want this show to end, it was absolutely superb .... best musical I have seen for a long time. The whole cast just gelled together, it was wonderful. Cannot recommend this show enough, I was still on a high this morning. Everything about it was superb ... the cast, the costumes, the music, the one liners.... fabulous. I will definitely be going back to see it again. - CeeBee | 17 Mar 09 |
| I came out of the Palace theatre feeling like I had a coat hanger jammed in my mouth- I couldn't stop smiling. This is the brightest, campest show I've seen in a very long time and just the tonic for these economically depressed times. The whole thing looks wonderful- the hundreds of costumes glitter spectacularly, and even the denim worn by the miners in the bar scenes is a bright cobalt blue under the grime. This was only the fourth preview but the many technical aspects of the show worked almost faultlessly and were very impressive- the scenery and costumes of course, but also the excellent sound design. Good performances from everyone- all the leads were splendid. You could see why Tony Sheldon was brought along and Oliver Thornton is certainly a great new find. Jason Donovan is not a natural in a frock but acquitted himself really well, particularly when called upon to flip from frivolous and camp to more the more serious moments. His presence also heightened the fun of the many Kylie references! And special commendations go to the fantastic girl group who often lead the chorus numbers (a la Hairspray) and sing the songs which the drag queens mime to. Great voices and how they manage to sing like that whilst being flown on wires I'll never know. The audience was clearly packed with fans of the film- the character of Cynthia got a huge cheer when she appeared as everyone anticipated her 'party piece' and virtually every word of Bernadette’s 'mullet' line got an enthusiastic reception. But there were lots of new one-liners which fitted into the script really well too. There are several moments where the narrative simply stops in order to accommodate a huge jaw-dropping drag number (the whole Macarthur Park thing is as mad as a box of frogs) but as these are all visually stunning and hugely entertaining this was fine with me!
I can see this show doing huge repeat business (I'm certainly going again) and running for a very long time. On one level it's just 'putting on frocks and miming to other people's songs' but it's done so well that it will appeal to a huge audience, not just the cognoscenti. Do yourself a favour and go.
- David | 17 Mar 09 |
| What a wonderful night out. This show is the perfect tonic for these difficult times. I was impressed by just how polished it all was four shows in. The sets and the costumes are just awsome and the show is well cast. I think most people in the audience had seen the film so anticipated the classic lines before they were said. Some great cameo performances from the likes of Cynthia and Marion. As for the leads, Jason Donovan is I think still growing into the part of Tick. As the show went on, he got better - I'm sure when he really lets go, he'll be really good. Oliver Thornton is perfect as Felicia - the right mix of camp and vulnerability. Tony Sheldon makes Bernadette the heartbeat of the show, just as Terence Stamp did in the film. I saw him play the part in Australia and am so glad he's come to London. He delivers a wonderful performance. This is a must see show. I'll be going back! - Paul Wallis | 14 Mar 09 |
| Saw Priscilla on the second preview and from what I saw this show was born a sure fire hit. The sets, costumes and cast are a wonder to behold as I have not seen anything like this on in the West End in many a year. Tony Sheldon is a star. Oliver Thorton is brilliant and even Jason Donovan surprised me how good he was. I liked the neighbours joke and the Kangaroo and Koala one too. We had a great night out and laughed a lot too. Even if the seat prices are high it is well worth paying for good seats. Finally Priscilla is great too! - Ivor | 13 Mar 09 |
| The show is a hit. Haven't seen such a good production for a long time.Just to the sets and props and costumes is worth the price. I would have given it a 5 stars but Jason singing was really just ok. Tony Sheldon and Oliver Thornton is fantastic.
by Rose glasses - Rose glasses | 13 Mar 09 |
