Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
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Unleashing "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" on the West End
"Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" is a dazzling jukebox musical that stormed the West End with its premiere at the Palace Theatre on March 10, 2009, running until December 31, 2011. Adapted from Stephan Elliott’s 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this show boasts a book by Elliott and Allan Scott, with a score packed with iconic pop hits. Directed by Simon Phillips and choreographed by Ross Coleman, it follows a trio’s flamboyant journey across the Australian outback, earning a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical and clinching acclaim for its Tony-winning costumes.
A Fabulous Road Trip
The story centers on Tick, a Sydney drag queen (stage name Mitzi), who accepts a gig from his estranged wife Marion to perform at her casino in Alice Springs. Recruiting transgender friend Bernadette, mourning her late husband, and brash young drag performer Adam (aka Felicia), Tick leads the trio westward aboard a battered bus dubbed Priscilla. Their odyssey brims with comedy meeting oddball characters, facing homophobia, and bonding over shared dreams. Tick’s secret motive, meeting his son Benji, unfolds alongside revelations of friendship and self-acceptance, all set against a vibrant desert backdrop.
Creative Glitz and Glamour
Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott’s book infuses the film’s heart with theatrical flair, while the score a parade of dance-floor anthems like “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” and “Go West” propels the action. Simon Phillips’s direction keeps the pace lively, with Ross Coleman’s choreography amplifying the show’s exuberance. Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner’s costumes, a riot of sequins and feathers, nabbed Olivier and Tony Awards. The original West End cast featured Jason Donovan as Tick, Tony Sheldon as Bernadette, and Oliver Thornton as Adam, their chemistry igniting the stage.
A West End Extravaganza
After debuting in Sydney in 2006, "Priscilla" hit London’s Palace Theatre, clocking over 1,000 performances. Its March 23, 2009, official opening drew raves for its infectious energy, with stars like Donovan later joined by Ben Richards and a bus that twirled mid-show. The production weathered cast changes and celebrated its 1,000th show in September 2011, bowing out on New Year’s Eve. Critics hailed its campy joy, though some found its plot thin; still, it became a West End staple, its sparkle undimmed by a two-year run.
Disco Beats and Showstoppers
The soundtrack is a glitter-dusted jukebox of hits: “I Love the Nightlife” sets the Sydney scene, “Hot Stuff” fuels the journey, and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” lifts the spirits. “I Say a Little Prayer” underscores Tick’s paternal longing, while “MacArthur Park” adds surreal flair to a desert hallucination. These tunes, woven into the narrative, turn every number into a celebration, with Coleman’s choreography think high kicks and feather boas making the Palace Theatre pulse with disco fever.
A Glittering Legacy
From its Australian roots to Broadway in 2011 (produced by Bette Midler), "Priscilla" has sashayed worldwide, spawning UK tours and a 2024 immersive Priscilla The Party! at Outernet London, which closed early due to financial woes. Its West End tenure, though not record-breaking, left a mark with its bold celebration of identity and unity. Nominated for Best New Musical at the 2010 Oliviers, it won hearts and costume accolades paving the way for a 2026 UK tour revival, promising more fabulousness ahead.
Why "Priscilla" Shines
"Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" dazzles with its unapologetic vibrancy outrageous outfits, killer tunes, and a story of outsiders finding their tribe. Its West End run was a glitter-bombed escape, blending humor with humanity amid a bus-bound quest. For London audiences, it’s a testament to theatre’s power to uplift and unite, a sequined reminder that fabulousness knows no bounds, even in the outback.