When it comes to some of the biggest draws in the West End, few could have predicted that in the current decade we would be talking about a musical featuring drag queens embarking on a journey across the Australian outback in a tatty old bus. But that is exactly what has happened, with “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” continuing to draw some big crowds at the Palace Theatre. The show first opened its doors at the venue in March 2009 and since then has proven itself to be a worthy addition to a vibrant West End line-up that also includes the likes of “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Love Never Dies” and “Wicked”. So expect to hear even more from the show as its successful run continues.
One of the talking points of the show when it originally opened was its talented team of performers, which included Tony Sheldon from the original production in Sydney and popstar Jason Donovan. But whilst these two stars have since departed from the cast, the line-up remains a highly skilled and talented one.
And they portray a colourful group of characters onstage. The show transports London audiences to Australia as we are introduced to Tick, Bernadette and Bob – a trio of performers who run a popular drag show in Sydney. They have delighted and entertained audiences in their home city, but they feel the need for a challenge, turning their backs on the bright lights and the array of personalities and instead turning their attentions on Alice Springs. This journey is going to take them into the heart of the Australian outback and they start out unaware of the adventure this is going to lead to, with romance and friendship waiting for them in the desert. But if they are going to make this journey, they are going to need to travel in style, with all eyes falling on a tatty old bus called Priscilla.
This story first made it into the hearts of viewers when “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” made it onto cinema screens in 1994. It starred future “Matrix” star Hugo Weaving alongside the likes of Guy Pearce, going on to earn an Academy Award and critical acclaim. And with a unique and vibrant plot it was only inevitable that it would one day become a stage musical. So over ten years later the show opened its doors in Sydney to great success, before the London edition set up shop three years later in 2009. “Priscilla” had made her mark and was well on her way to becoming the Queen of the West End.
So make sure you catch “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” whilst it continues its run at the Palace Theatre in London. It has come a long way since it was first experienced in 1994 and it is likely to remain firmly in place for some time to come.