Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you were to walk down Charing Cross Road in London’s West End between 2009 – 2011, you would have been greeted by the sight of a giant heel at the front of the Palace Theatre as Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert entertained audiences with its camp energy. Now, a new twist on that feel-good classic returns a stone’s throw away from that theatre at the high-tech and swanky new Here @ Outernet. With Priscilla The Party blurring the lines between theatre and a good night out (or afternoon in my case), would audiences pack into central London once again to dance the night away with a group of drag Queens and a bus (though, to be fair that could be any night bus on that road at the weekend)?
Based on the cult classic film from 1994, the musical adaptation of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert premiered in 2006, traveling to the West End in 2009 and Broadway in 2011. It has since been revived for a series of UK tours but this production marks a new chapter for it as it premieres the new Priscilla The Party experience. The show transports you to the Australian outback where two drag queens and a trans woman attempt to perform a drag show in the remote Australian desert, though they face homophobia and transphobia. With its defiant message of acceptance and inclusivity, the show feels just as necessary now as it did 18 years ago, given the attitudes of certain people and groups.
This immersive production attempts to take elements from a growing trend of shows around London, currently redefining what theatre can be as it veers towards something more of an experience than a full-on show. To that end, you have the cast moving around you as in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, a moving stage as in Guys & Dolls, and an option for a dining experience as in Mamma Mia The Party! The problem here is they have taken a bit from these shows and seemingly lost their own identity in the process – while the fun factor of this show is ramped up to new highs, it can be a bit messy at times.
There are two ways to look at Priscilla The Party and two very contrasting ways to experience the show – that as a theatre lover, looking for something more conventional, and that of someone who just wants a fun night out with the ability to sing, dance and live your best life. Both give a very different result of the show. The latter is perfect for groups, birthday celebrations, hen parties, or any excuse for a good night out. With the drinks flowing and sequins everywhere, it is an easy guarantee for a good night out. Less successful is its attempts to portray the theatrical aspect with the story of the show getting lost in the setting and the noise. Now, a rowdy audience feels kind of inevitable for a show like this but when it means you struggle to hear the dialogue or follow the plot, it is a disappointing flaw of the production. I battled both aspects of this during my attendance, and when I decided to push aside my conventional theatre expectations and enjoy the show for what it is, I found myself partying with the best of them (though perhaps not shouting like some of the audience members).
Taking a leaf out of Guys & Dolls book, the moving stage creates a fun use of space around the club feel of HERE @ Outernet, though admittedly isn’t done to the same level as that other show. Simon Phillips’ immersive adaptation of the show takes Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott’s book and adapts it in a fun way, breathing new life into the story and giving it a new dimension with playful direction. A fun though minimalistic use of props means the only bus you will see is on a video screen but the design can’t be faulted when it comes to Tom Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner’s stunning costumes.
Structurally, the show can be a bit of a mess with a pre-show turning into the main show with no clear definition resulting in a wobbly start and inconsistent pacing throughout its three acts. The idea to have an afterparty with a DJ after the show has finished though is an inspired touch. With this show, it is important to know the experience starts before the main show and continues after it has finished so plan your time accordingly.
The biggest strength of this production is the cast who mingle among the crowd while keeping professionalism and ensuring the story is told as best as possible (distractions aside). Trevor Ashley originated the role of Miss Understanding in the 2006 Australian production and returns to the show as Gaye Cliché, hilariously interacting with the audience with some updated references, an unrivaled knack for comic timing, and a strong stage presence. Though slightly underused, he delights whenever he is on stage.
Owain Williams is effortlessly charismatic as Tick/Mitzi with Dakota Starr bringing a gorgeous and at times emotive portrayal of Bernadette. Reece Kerridge is an undoubted standout in his scene-stealing turn as Adam/Felicia, looking and sounding fabulous throughout whether he is strutting his stuff on stage or swinging on a wrecking ball. The three of them attempt to push the narrative forward and make up for the obstacles in performances that shine collectively and individually, always ensuring crowd-pleasing moments. The entire cast wow at every opportunity with a special mention going to Grace Galloway, Gracie Lai, and Sara Louise shining as the divas,
The music in Priscilla The Party is every bit as camp and joyous as you might expect. A jukebox musical, many of the numbers from previous productions such as ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and ‘I Will Survive’ are present but are now joined by newer additions such as Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’, Kylie’s ‘Come Into My World’ and P!nk’s ‘Get The Party Started’. Though the music doesn’t always further the plot along and tends to feel shoehorned in, the aim is to please a crowd, and that they certainly do – ensuring the party doesn’t stop throughout.
Sometimes all you want from theatre is a bit of fun and Priscilla The Party! more than manages that. Its attempts to make more of an experience and turn the story into an immersive piece is admirable though inconsistent and not always successful in its execution. People expecting a more conventional telling of this story may find themselves underwhelmed, but this production will certainly appeal to a wider demographic – the ones who find themselves frustrated at not being able to sing along to a jukebox musical. To that respect, this is a welcome addition to London’s glittering West End. It may not be the best party in town but it’s still one more than worthy of a visit,
Priscilla The Party! plays at HERE at Outernet. Tickets from https://www.priscillatheparty.com/
Photos by Marc Brenner