REVIEW: Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical at The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

Cheltenham

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical at The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham

Theatre is well and truly back at The Everyman with the ultimate camp road trip that is Priscilla Queen of the Desert. It’s time to party in style, don those sequins, high heels and feather boas and get your sparkle on for a glittering journey of self discovery across the desert with Bernadette, Tick (Mitzi) and Adam (Felicia). Not forgetting of course, the Queen of the Roads herself, Priscilla the tour bus.

If you want to really live, if you love the nightlife, if you’ve got to boogie (on the disco 'round) then this is the show for you. Quite simply flamboyant, eye catching, toe tapping fun and a post lockdown celebration of sheer fabulousness.

 

 

Prepare to be dazzled by sensational costumes, delighted by impressive choreography, sing along to the mega jukebox soundtrack and gasp at the well-timed bawdy one-liners that you hope your Grandma doesn’t catch wind of.

A show stopping performance by the marvelous Miles Western as Bernadette; captivating, dignified and one classy lady. Powerful vocals also from the three Divas and tender renditions of True Colors and Don’t Leave Me This Way.

Not to be outdone, the whole cast gave it their absolute all and the stage was well and truly on fire. Where else could you find ping-pong balls and ‘pop muzik’ in the country, casinos in a boogie wonderland and hear a Kylie medley from ‘a cock in a frock on a rock’?

 

 

However this is far more than just a carefree musical adventure as its subliminal messages of prejudice, acceptance and transphobia pervade the narrative. They are a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for the freedom to let our true colours shine like a rainbow without fear or shame.

In almost a parody of the ups and downs of the pandemic, it wasn’t plain sailing with a few second act clunky set changes and the zaniness of human cupcakes. However it was undoubtedly a heartfelt return to the stage culminating in a fabulous finale, which left the audience dancing in the aisles, and in no doubt that yes, we have survived the last year and we will continue to do so.

There’s still ‘Time to shake your groove thing”, as the award winning Priscilla Queen of the Desert is running until Saturday 14th August at The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham.

Review by Lady Janey

 

 

For more details and to book your tickets CLICK HERE

 

The Mystery Reviewer

See all listings from The Mystery Reviewer

Newsletter
To sign up up for www.glos.info weekly newsletter, please click here.

Please mention www.glos.info when contacting this advertiser.