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Priscilla, Queen of The Desert
The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
****
THE progression from film to stage was
never really a surprise for this unashamedly camp tale of three drag
artists making their way across the Ozzie outback to perform an extra
special show. All the right show elements are in ther A simple plot , perhaps, but this is all about
the journey – a journey that has no time to stop for twists and turns in
the story line. This is a road movie
coloured pink - Summer Holiday
in heels - An orgy of double entendres, constant innuendo and no small
measure of thrusting. It could feel tacky but it doesn't thanks to its
breathless energy and real sense of joy. Whilst the storyline may be simple, the contrast between the three main characters is well defined, both in the writing and the playing.
These are real people with their own stories and
their own baggage. The young, full on queen. The older, wiser matriarch
and the undecided one. It's a strong and watchable dynamic and much more
interesting than having three carbon copy stereotypes.
Adam Bailey pouts and parades to stratospheric
levels as the highly excitable Felicia while Simon Green delivers some
of the show’s best lines as Bernadette with divaesque aplomb. Fine work, too, from a blistering ensemble that
never loses power or energy. Choreography is precise and exciting
throughout the show. With a set boasting
more phallic symbols than Caligula
and an array of clever, inventive costumes, the visuals are stunning and
suitably camp. The all important bus that takes them through back water
towns is an impressive feature too. Brassy, bold and brimming with joy, this is
simple, feel good showbiz pizazz at its best. See it. It will make you
smile and, if you are a bloke , it may even confirm your secret desire
to put on a frock and mime to Kylie’s greatest hits. Runs until Saturday
24 October. Tom Roberts
20-10-15
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e
in spades; larger than life characters, a pulsating track list and
sizzling routines that can't fail to induce happiness.