PRISCILLA has got to be one of the campest, kitschest, most outrageous shows I’ve seen – but it’s not over the top to say it’s also one of the very best.
Each show features 500 costumes, 100 wigs and 150 pairs of shoes.
I went dizzy trying to keep track of my favourites – the flippper high heels, platform shoe/flare combo, birthday cupcakes, cheerleader pompom wigs – the list goes on.
But despite its fantastic costumes there is real depth to this show – fantastic musical numbers, an incredibly innovative set, clever use of video screens and a compelling storyline – which make it so much more than just a brilliantly executed drag show.
Priscilla tells the story of two drag queens and a transsexual artiste as they make their way across Australia to perform a show, meet the son of one, mend the grieving heart of another and fulfil the third’s dream to perform a Kylie medley on Ayres Rock.
The cast were all brilliant.
Noel Sullivan, Graham Weaver and Richard Grieve were fantastic in the lead roles but so were the trio of divas who provided most of the vocals, while Frances Mayli McCann almost stole the show with her brilliant turn as Cynthia with her ping pong ball routine.
Special mention must also go to the clever use of sound, costume and lighting in the sped-up montage sequence at the end.
Rather than losing something in its translation from screen to stage, Priscilla makes nothing but gains.
It manages to be an outrageous camp riot, visually stunning, hilarious and genuinely touching.
Watch it now and then go back and enjoy it all again.
Runs until June 8 at The Mayflower, Southampton.
Graham Weaver as Felicia, photo by Paul Coltas
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