Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Tour – Sunderland)

Priscilla the Queen of the Desert the musical, is based on the hit 1990 film and fits the stage so well its hard to imagine it was not a stage show originally. The story follows three drag artists as they make their way from Sydney to Alice Springs by bus, where one is to meet his young son for the first time.

The one downside and only downside to be honest, is Priscilla herself, who in London was one of the stars of the show. On tour the bus has been so cut back that anyone having seen the West End version will be sadly disappointed. While the tour restrictions will have meant the original bus could not be used, having such an important element of the show so stripped back just does not work. Luckily the three main cast members have all worked on the London production, so their performances drive the production forward and overcome any shortcomings with Priscilla.

Jason Donovan, brilliantly reprises his role of Tick (Mitzi) and shows why he is one of the leading stage performers around today. His character is the driving force behind the trip, as he has to make his way to Alice Springs to perform and meet the son. While Richard Grieve and Graham Weaver (Bernadette and Adam (Felicia) respectively) both match Donovan’s performance, having also played in the West End production. Together these three performers make this a show not to be missed, but what happens when the casting changes remains to be seen.

There are literally hundreds of costumes to accompany the excellently staged musical numbers. While the musical numbers, including the likes of Go West, Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men and Say A Little Pray, are known to everyone, allowing the audience to join in from the start.

This is a must see, feel good factor musical for adults that should not be missed on any account.