Article by Stevee Davies

In a world where scrutiny and judgement is rife, it’s wonderful when you witness something that completely allows you to let go and enjoy yourself without worrying what other people may think.

Priscilla does just that…

It is the most successful show in Australian and New Zealand Musical Theatre history, it’s camp, it’s colourful, and it has certainly made its mark in the West-End…in the shape of a large, sparkly lit, high heeled shoe towering over the front entrance of the Palace Theatre.

Years ago this show would’ve been considered too risqué for audiences, but due to the success of shows such as La Cage Aux Folles, its becoming completely acceptable (and increasingly popular amongst audiences of all social backgrounds) to watch a show where men dress up in drag…

Yes, that’s precisely what this show is about…men…in drag…with the best costumes possible ever seen on stage…

However, through the three leading men (sorry…girls), we see a far more heart warming story unfold.

The show is full of colourful and hilarious characters who support the leads tremendously well…a particular moment at the beginning of Act Two certainly gives the fabulous supporting cast a chance to…how can I put it…’’relate’’ to their audience (I shan’t spoil the surprise)

As for the plot…its simple…Flick (played by Ben Richards), a popular drag queen, decides he’s had enough of his current surroundings, and opts to travel across the country to see his wife and son (who he hasn’t met yet since coming out as a homosexual). On deciding this, he employs the help of friends ‘Bernadette’ (Don Gallagher) and young rising drag star ‘Felicia’ (Oliver Thornton). As a method of travel, they choose the open road, a spend most of the show on their tour bus…Priscilla!

The show has been described as ‘another jukebox musical’, however, for this story and style of show, it works perfectly. Songs that the audience know and can sing along to bring joy throughout the Palace every night, it’s a safe, sure-fire crowd pleaser!

Ben Richards brings emotional warmth to the character of Flick, as we see he can just be ‘one of the girls’, but also a mature, sensible man when dealing with fatherhood. Don Gallagher’s performance as elder, now transsexual Bernadette, is so convincing and well played, it follows Tony Sheldon’s (who created the role of Bernadette) brilliantly.

The show stealer by far has to be Oliver Thornton…he completely embodies the character of Felicia and clearly is having a lot of fun in this production, an incredible voice, and looks that most men (and women when he’s in drag) would kill for. An established performer in town, Thornton will be on the talk of the West End for years to come.

Check out this show while you can for a fun filled night out in town!!