Theatre Review: Priscilla Queen of the Desert - King's Theatre, Glasgow ✭✭✭✭
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
King's Theatre, Glasgow
Review by Siobhan Brennan
Wednesday 19th June 2013: It was feather boas and high heels galore as the Priscilla bus rolled into Glasgow last night. We joined Tick (Jason Donovan) a Sydney-based drag queen as he embarks on the drive of a lifetime from the big city to the remote town of Alice Springs. His mission? To finally meet his son for the first time. Tick enlists the company of friends and fellow drag performers Bernadette (Richard Grieve) and Felicia (Graham Weaver). The three embark on a journey of discovery, with many a speed bump along the way.
Donovan gives an alluring performance as insecure Tick, evoking cheers from the moment he appears on stage. Weaver's take on loud and proud Felicia was filled with energy and enthusiasm. The real highlight of the show was Grieve's warm and elegant portrayal of transsexual Bernadette, particularly in his scenes with mechanic Bob (Giles Watling).
The costumes were breathtaking, bursting with personality and getting more bold and outrageous with each change (and there were a lot!). I Will Survive, Hot Stuff and Go West are just a few of the feel good crowd pleasers on offer with audience participation at an all time high as they clap and tap along.
Ultimately Priscilla is a feast for the eyes, if not so much for the ears. Some of the transitions between lip syncing and singing live were a bit rocky, and there were more than a few bum notes but when the audience is faced with a show as colourful and vibrant as this, who could complain?!
Yes it's camp, yes it's humorous but beneath all the make-up and the false lashes, there is a story with depth and heart. Priscilla is a celebration of life, love, diversity and equality. The show makes no excuses and nor should it.
4 stars ✭✭✭✭
Priscilla is camping it up at the King's Theatre Glasgow until 29th June.
