BWW Reviews: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, Regent Theatre Stoke, September 21 2015

Priscilla Queen of the Desert has had massive success all over the world since it opened in Sydney, Australia in 2006 - no more so than in this country where the show enjoyed a two-year run in London and is currently on its second UK tour. From place to place and on each outing, there always seems to be something slightly different (a change to a set piece or a new song) so the show is constantly in development, keeping it fresh. Just like the 1994 film, the musical production is feel-good throughout but does address serious issues along the way. Ultimately though, Priscilla has great morals filtering through a superbly written book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott.

Based on Simon Phillips' original direction, Jason Capewell has recreated this for the UK tour and does exceptionally well staging-wise; the show could have been a resident at the Regent Theatre in Stoke having seen it in this particular venue last night. Some of the character direction falters occasionally, one example being when Bernadette is reminiscing about her days as a 'Les Girl', the Young Bernadette should be vibrant during that scene but Simon Green as present Bernadette showed more enthusiasm. Furthermore during 'Colour My World' when the bus is painted, the way the hateful lettering is struck during the routine is not executed very well. The regeneration of Ross Coleman and Andrew Hallsworth's choreography for tour is executed brilliantly by Ian Oswald and this and Brian Thomson's set design enables the costumes to be the stars of the show. Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner's designs are still as spectacular every time you see them - rarely can any other production compare to the elaboration on stage in Priscilla. The bus design is much better managed on this UK tour as opposed to the shell of one in the 2013 tour. Although there are limits when on the road, it would have been great to have more LED's on the bus exterior to make the onstage transformation more of a moment.

For this leg of the tour, we have a new Tick played by Duncan James who is just perfect for the role. His energy and attack is continuous throughout and his vocals are the best I have heard from him, especially during 'I Say A Little Prayer'. Not only this, his acting is very strong and as an audience member, you can completely buy into his character. His 'Macarthur Park' is a definite highlight. Green, playing Bernadette, is a tricky character and a very difficult one to get completely right. Green demonstrated wit and sassiness in abundance but excelled most when showcasing the vulnerable side of Bernadette. Adam/Felicia is a very brash character and is not an incredibly likeable one to be honest. However, Adam Bailey plays this precociousness well and is like a fire cracker with all of his energy. Again, following 'Hot Stuff', he is emotionally laid bare and this is the turning point for the character and Bailey's performance. The ensemble consistently provide excellent support to the principal men and not forgetting a personal favourite; the Divas in this production - played by Lisa-Marie Holmes, Laura Mansell and Catherine Mort - are sensational.

A smile a minute along with a few shed tears makes for a perfectly balanced show.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert plays at the Regent Theatre, Stoke until Saturday 26th September and is currently booking until June 2016.

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