Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review and pictures

In short, I was definitely ready to Shake My Groove Thing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre show.

Priscilla is often confused with another drag movie 'To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar' but in fact is far funnier, fluffier and fabulous by half.

Based on the 1994 movie version of the same name, the storyline tells the tale of two drag queens Tick, or Mitzi Mitosis as he is affectionately known, and Adam or Felicia Jollygoodfellow – goodness I love these drag names - and their transgender pal, Bernadette, who cross the Australian outback in a pink bus (naturally) in order to perform their act in Alice Springs. But, in fact, Tick is hiding a secret which means he has an ulterior motive for the trip. No spoilers here, you have to see for yourself.

Along the way, the three encounter endless adventures and learn a considerable amount about their friendship and, ultimately, their love for each other.

Amateur companies are taking on more and more challenging shows as times goes by and West Bromwich Operatic Society (WBOS) were certainly brave to tackle this one. Unfortunately their opening night was riddled with technical issues, but the cast battled on regardless like troopers.

The positives outweighed the negatives, however, so let's move on.

The obvious starting point for this show is of course Priscilla the bus, which is simply spectacular.

The costumes are nothing less than magnificent and as close to the professional show’s wardrobe as possible. With quick changes in almost every scene, the backstage dressers deserve a special mention. The crowd is dazzled by a sea of green, pink, silver, red, gold; in fact, a variable rainbow of feathers, satin, Lycra and sequins which just make the eyes pop and smile spread from ear to ear from the moment the curtain rises.

The set is simple but effective and the staging and lighting definitely disco.

Camp as a row of tents, this show oozes glitz and glamour, is outrageously filthy but very funny and actually has a wonderfully moving underlying message about acceptance and love for our fellow man, regardless of gender, which I am sure is inside all of us.

Tye Harris struck the perfect cord as Tick, a guy on a mission to keep his secret. His drag portrayal was just enough. Not too outrageous, but still glamorous. His duet with young Georgie Hodson was a highlight of the night when they sang a mash-up of Elvis’ Always on my Mind and Aretha Franklin's I Say a Little Prayer, which brought a tear to the eye.

John Weatherall was mature and refined as Bernadette and in fine voice as always. He was obviously a man, but portraying his feminine side is obviously not a problem for him.

Zak Hollingshead was bossy and every-inch the evil queen as Adam; in fact everything the character demanded, as well as looking stunning in tights, heels and leotards. You go girl.

Niamh Allen, Tasheka Coe and Sarah Moors as the three flying divas gave excellent vocal performances throughout, despite being flung across the stage and remained impossibly glamorous and composed, never flinching or faltering, despite the odd hiccup - proving how resilient amateur performers can be.

I adored Sophie Louise Johnson as Cynthia, the table tennis ball popping Thai wife who has no inhibitions whatsoever and actually made me laugh out loud time and time again. Her husband Bob is played by WBOS stalwart, Simon Pugh, who gives an superbly well-prepared portrayal of the Aussie mechanic who saves the day.

The company belted its way through hit after hit, including Don’t Leave Me This Way – believe it or not the theme tune to a funeral which is hilarious - as well as What’s Love Got to do With it?, I Love the Nightlife, Pop Muzik, Boogie Wonderland, I Say A Little Prayer; you name it, it’s there.

A few first night hiccups will no doubt be ironed out as the run continues and we have to remember that Priscilla is a brave choice of show for an amateur group and one which I am sure was not without its challenges.

West Bromwich Operatic Society should however be applauded for their effort in creating a fun evening’s entertainment, as the extraordinarily entertaining Priscilla Queen of the Desert remains a triumph.

Runs until Saturday.

Call 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk for tickets.