This was some hot stuff!
Glitz, glamour and “tits” hit Z-Arts in Hulme for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert! An excellent interpretation of the cult classic, the show featured a strong cast, sparkling set and camp costumes galore. This show was a pure spectacle, and the North West premiere at that; it is an absolute tragedy that this show is not better known. Not one detail was left unattended, and from the moment the audience walked into the room, the atmosphere was set by a thumping disco beat and a stage that shimmered! The entrance of the Divas for “It’s Raining Men” marked the start of the show, and the vocal talent in the cast was showcased from the off, with Helen Attisha, Stephanie Niland and Celia Lee belting out a storm, although occasionally a little too much for the mics! Our first introduction to the queen of the hour, Jack Hawkins as Mitzi, set the tone for the whole production as FABULOUS!
Whilst the idea of a cast of Northerner’s attempting
Australian accents may be worrying, the whole cast had excellent accents, and
Hawkins’ first appearance had the perfect level of camp and jaded for the
bisexual drag queen. The comedic capers of Felicia were brought to life by
Ollie Kaiper-Leach in an exaggerated style that was backed up by strong vocals
and flawless accent; even a tumble off a corrugated iron bar top didn’t slow
this one down! SMAOS were plagued tonight by a host of theatre gremlins causing
issues, from sticky curtains to multiple falls, but not once did the cast allow
themselves to be flummoxed. It was an evident testament to their love of the show
and the knowledge of the script that one would expect from seasoned director
Kevin Proctor. The show in its writing is ballsy, and one particular character
who brought class to the stage was Bernadette, lovingly and perfectly portrayed
by Andrew Higson. His classy confidence in a dress and heels was fitting for
the only transgender character in the show, and all issues of homophobia and
darker themes of the show were beautifully handled by all the cast, though
especially Higson.
 |
| The Full Cast |
The few issues with props and fumbles did nothing to offset
the pure energy from this performance, something that definitely came from
behind the curtain, with the pit band under the flawless direction of MD John
Barry. If the band wasn’t as good as the original tracks, that was because they
were better. The sound of full band and cast almost took the roof off the
building! The enthusiasm from this company was infectious, and it couldn’t fail
to put a smile on your face. A true Boogie Wonderland!