“Priscilla Queen Of the Desert”
Nottingham Theatre Royal

Welcome to camp Priscilla as the big pink bus rolls back into Nottingham, and you don't get any camper than this!

This is one of my favourite feel good and fun musicals and it’s back in town. Packed with a ton of toe tapping hits from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. This is probably my fifth or sixth time that I have seen this musical and one that I always look forward to seeing again, and it never disappoints.

The score is like being at your favourite retro parties; “It’s Raining Men”, “Finally”, “I Will Survive”, “Hot Stuff”, “Colour My World”, “I Love The Nightlife”, "MacArthur Park" the list goes on.

Based on the 1994 film, it takes us on the epic journey of three friends - two drag queens and a transgender woman - across the Australian outback. Boarding their battered tour bus 'Priscilla', they set out to put on the show of a lifetime, a mission full of fun and laughter, but one with a very serious reason behind it.

Heading for Alice Springs, Tick will finally get to meet his six-year-old son, Benji, the pals find themselves fighting, sometimes literally, against the homophobic locals, and have to repaint their bus, pink, to cover up the anti-gay graffiti daubed on it. The reunion of the father and son is wonderfully played out with a lovely version of “Always On My Mind” being performed by Joe McFadden.

Joe McFadden plays Tick/Mitzi, Nick Hayes (Adam/Felicia) and
Miles Western (Bernadette) are just an amazing trio,and all very different.

Miles Western looked so convincing as a woman and, to me resembled Lauren Bacall with all of the style, class and grace.Bernadette's back story is revealed throughout and is sensitively done.

Nick Hayes played the loose cannon of the three characters, but it's the change from the spunky outspoken Felicia to the beaten and emotional Adam that shows the human side of the character.

Joe McFadden, you really get to appreciate what a wonderful character actor he is. I've watched Joe on TV in various roles, but on stage he makes playing this drag queen look easy, and in those heels as well! Tick has a wife and six year old son who he has not met. Tick/Mitzi is a two part character and he is nervous about the two being exposed to his son, as he wants to make a good impression.

This musical provides many great social messages and the reaction of Benji, played by Tom Cross and, the actor I think we saw tonight, Harry George, just shows that kids will accept anyone and anything for who and what they are, and prejudice is not inbred.

Daniel Fletcher (Bob) plays the mechanic who saves the day by getting Priscilla back on the road,and finds love on the way.

Miranda Wilford (Marion) is Benji's mother and ex husband of Tick, who decides that it's time that Tick met Benji, so pulls in a favour, asking him to perform at the Casino, the club that she runs.

Kevin Yates (Miss Understanding) is sauce on legs, and what legs! She jokes with the front row at the start and releases her Tina Turner moves with her number "What's Love Got To Do With It"

Jacqui Sanchez (Cynthia) plays Bob's wife with an eye-popping performance that turns out to be a hard act to follow. Great fun but so politically incorrect.

The three Divas, Aiesha Pease, Claudia Kariuki and Rosie Glossop, have incredible soul voices and look amazing as well. they really get the party started with an explosive "It's Raining Men"

The ensemble work their butts off with some high-kicking and energetic choreographed pieces by Thom Jackson-Greaves.

Jason Donovan is the Producer and Ian Talbot Directs this fast moving, and you'll be able to see just how fast this show is when the three perform at The Casino., They ensure that there is never a dull moment in this musical.

Musical Director is Sean Green, and the sound for this show is bright and pitched at just the right sound level.

This show would not be the spectacle it is without those incredible costumes, wigs and garish make up

It's a heart-warming tale of courage, self-acceptance, and new beginnings, all delivered with a ton of attitude. But let me come back to the music for a second. You can hear a song delivered and enjoy it. You can then hear it sung with a different arrangement, in a different situation and sung by the opposite sex of what you're used to,and the message comes across very different. That is what I love about this musical. It makes you think about the lyrics, how it is delivered and by whom and can turn those feelings and meanings on their head.

Listen to Cyndi Lauper's "True Colours" in the different context in this musical and it will have you welling up. The same with "Always On My Mind" and "I Say A Little Prayer".

Despite all the laughs though, there is the very real message surrounding homophobia and bigotry, which is eventually overcome by tolerance and compassion. But it still reminds us that the LGBTQ community still have a battle on their hands with small minded people. Being different is something that should be celebrated and not hidden or beaten down.

You will leave this show on a high, thanks to the story and the soundtrack, but also thanks to the high energy feel from the whole cast, so if you can, get yourself a ticket and be prepared to party.

“Priscilla” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 1 February.