Review of Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical in Manchester
Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical has arrived at Palace Theatre Manchester and we were invited along to check it out. Here is what we thought.
Running until Saturday 30th November 2019 Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical opened at Palace Theatre Manchester last night and we were invited along to their press night for the purpose of an honest review. We sent our reviewer Gemma and her mum along to check it out. Read on for what they thought.
Review of Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical in Manchester
Based on the award winning film, Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical, follows the story of two drag queens Tik and Adam and a transgender woman Bernadette who head across the Outback in an old battered bus (Priscilla) to put on a show in Alice Springs. Their journey is not as simple as they hoped as they encounter a whole of host of prejudice from those they meet on the way and discover Tik’s secret.
I have to admit that not having seen the film version I was unsure what to expect this cult musical but happy to say I have come away a big fan.
The show began with the very talented Divas and ensemble dancers performing ‘It’s Raining Men’, before the Drag Host Miss Understanding had everyone laughing in their seats with a string of risky jokes which made it clear that the show is not intended for the easily offended.
Joe McFadden plays the lead role of Tik / Mitzi (orginally played by Jason Donovan), who is the driving force in taking the journey. However he has hidden intentions for the trip, wanting to connect with his son who he has never met. McFadden showed he hasn’t lost his strictly moves, owning the role and proving he can hold a tune, but it is in the quieter and reflective scenes that he shines.
Nick Hayes plays the flaboyant attention seeker Adam / Felicia and has the role down completely. Showing off his dancing and vocal skills, it was clear that he was comfortable in drag and able to lipsync like a pro.
For me it was Miles Western as Bernadette who stole the show. His dignified delivery was only second to his perfect comedy timing with his sharp comebacks, which had the whole audience laughing outloud. He was a delight to watch and put on a great show.
The three Divas also deserve a mention as they belted out some great songs throughout with amazing vocals along with the ensemble all of which gave gave the three main characters a run for their money with their musical numbers.
It will be no surprise that show based on drag, housed amazing costumes with an abundance of sequins and glitter. Highlights included spectacular paint brush and cake outfits along with stunning body suits for the big final number.
The show was full of great hits from ‘I will Survive’ to ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ had everyone dancing in and out of their seats and the choreography was truly impressive.
Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical, does not just wow musically and visually, it offers important messages of acceptance and kindness in a fun and spectacular way, which will not be easy to forget.
Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert The Musical will be showing at Palace Theatre Manchester until 30th November 2019 . For more information and how to book see here.
