Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 22 February 2020
4****
It’s always a pleasure to attend Newcastle Theatre Royal and even more of a treat when it’s to see such a fabulous show. You know you are in for a fun time when the warning at the beginning tells you take off your wig so the people behind can see. And fun it is, with dancing diva’s, a myriad of colourful costumes designed by Charles Cusick-Smith and Phil R Daniels, and a cheese-fest of songs played by the live band led by Sean Green.
Starring Joe McFadden as disillusioned drag queen Tick (Mitzi), Priscilla is the bus that takes Tick from Sydney to Alice Springs at the request of his estranged wife Marion (Miranda Wilford), to meet his 6 year old son Benji (John Reeve, Sonny Paterson and Willem Roberts sharing the role). Tick takes with him recently widowed transsexual Bernadette (Miles Western) and fellow drag artist Adam (Felicia) played by Nick Hayes. Picking up mechanic Bob (Daniel Fletcher) along the way
Whilst full of glitz and glam, feathers and sequins at the heart of the show is a story of overcoming prejudices whether it be their own or from the rednecks and hillbillies they encounter on their travels. And a tale of love; Tick and the love he has for his son, the blossoming romance between Bob and Bernadette, and Adam learning to love himself for who and what he is.
Standing on top of Uluru, in full drag singing a Kylie medley fulfils Adams lifetime ambition “a cock, in a frock, on a rock”
Packed with well known numbers like I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, Don’t Leave Me With Way, Go West and Hot Stuff, you can’t help but tap your feet. But it’s the Pat Benatar classic We Belong that steals the show for me. Showing in one song how to overcome everything life throws at you, it is the rightful final showstopper.
Having previously starred in the show, Jason Donovan is now one of the producers and he’s clearly given some valuable insights into how to improve on previous productions. This has a bus that works much better than previous incarnations; and whilst still a riot of colour, it proves the old adage that ‘Less is More’.
This is a joyful show, reminding us all to be be kind and accepting with a score that will Colour Your World and having you singing along for days