Review: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Everyman Theatre

Last night we had the absolute pleasure of watching Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Everyman Theatre. The musical sensation has returned to Cheltenham for one week only following the two week, sold-out run in June and July.

In front of a full house of enthusiastic theatre fans, (who were clearly delighted to be back in our much loved local theatre!), the energetic and multi-talented cast expertly belted out a non-stop parade of dance-floor classic songs wearing extravagant makeup and flamboyant costumes.

Image credit - Priscilla UK Tour 

Originally a 1994 Australian comedy film, widely considered to be a LGBT pioneering gem, the plot follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they take a journey across the Australian outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in their battered old tour bus named ‘Priscilla’. Along the way the bickering trio meet a variety of characters and experience all sorts of problems.

The opening scene kicked off with ‘It’s Raining Men’ accompanied by a scintillating dance routine in the ‘Cock a Two Club’ where trousers were quickly ripped off to reveal gold hot pants. This certainly warmed up the audience who reacted to the tight buttocks and muscly legs with an energetic whooping!

The show features several poignant scenes where the characters sadly encounter homophobic abuse and violence which made you really feel for the loveable characters. These scenes were quickly followed by laugh out loud scenes, such as a hilarious ping pong ball dance routine and an over the top lip synching dance routine to hit classic – ‘I Will Survive’.

We don’t want to give too much more away, as you truly need to experience this big-hearted, glitzy, fun show for yourself. It’s a guaranteed feel-good performance which will have you shaking your groove long after the final curtain call.

You also don’t need to just take our word for it, the opening performance last night saw the entire audience up on their feet giving the cast a much deserved standing ovation so it’s fair to say others would agree with our rave recommendation!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is performing at the Everyman Theatre daily until Saturday 14^th August (with two performances on Saturday).  Book your tickets here.