Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Kristian Thomas Collective Review
Written by Emmie
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Three decades ago, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert broke ground by presenting a positive representation of LGBT individuals and introducing LGBT themes to a mainstream audience. Since its West End debut in 2009, followed by three successful UK tours, the musical has continued to captivate audiences. It comes as no surprise that this production holds immense appeal for local groups as well. The Kristian Thomas Collective delivers a rendition that exudes entertainment, energy, and leaves a lasting impression, embodying the essence of this beloved show.
Set against the backdrop of the Australian Outback, this story follows the misadventures of three drag queens - Tick, Bernadette and Adam - as they undergo a road trip across the desert in a battered old bus they call Priscilla. Joined by a catchy musical score featuring disco hits from the 1970s and 1980s, the trio’s mission is to perform a drag show at a remote resort and to reunite Tick with his son, who he has never met.
Now it’s time to chat about the performances. This adult company are renowned for its professionalism, flare and energy for its productions which are a cut above the rest. For a company which rehearses in a shorter space of time to execute a show like Priscilla Queen of the Desert is admirable.
The cast in this production each delivers standout performances, particularly the trio of drag queens who are at the centre of this story. Dave Covey, Lu Anthony and Mark Coffey-Bainbridge each understand the heart of their characters as Tick, Bernadette and Adam. They bring to life the quirks, flaws and moments of vulnerability that each of their characters has whilst almost maintaining an undeniable chemistry that lights up the stage.
In most performances of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, you see three divas who take on the almighty task of belting out those disco hits. Why have three when you can use 7 of the most undeniably powerful singers in the collective and enable them to shine? Natasha Cartwright, Ella Greenwood, Lauren Polimos, Tiffany Jackson-Bieeu, Helen Perry, Adela Green and Samantha Hedley are a force of a collective in themselves who really amp up the music with their incredible voices but I would have personally enjoyed it more if we had seen them perform in smaller groups rather than a few solo numbers here and there. It felt too static sometimes to have them almost in the same line formations for songs too. A slight niggle but still a polished performance from The Divas anyhow.
Lastly, there is the flawless ensemble who without you wouldn’t be able to breathe some life into the scenes and musical numbers. Megan Singleton, Reema Rose, Sandy Lane, Poppy Cook, David Page, Louis Barnes-Cupit, Max Fuller, Charlotte Carridice, Eva Sheppard, Ellie Simmonds, Beth Neville, Jack Eccles, Betsymae Kirkland-Ball, Ben Hale, Louise Curd and Bethany Wear ooze a lot of undeniable flare to the choreography of this show as well as building the scenes throughout. On a stage which as mentioned is quite limiting, the dancing ensemble particularly packs a lot of great choreographic styles that enable some of the big musical numbers to elevate and be enjoyable to watch.
Also, a special mention goes to Henry as Benji, a small part but he sang beautifully!
Beyond a few slight niggles with this performance and some costume situations which would make it a lot cleaner overall, this was a brilliant show from the Kristian Thomas Collective. It’s a must-see theatrical extravaganza for the strong performances overall but the show’s message which will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
