All Drag, No Dags – Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Photo by Ric Brannan
Last night, I was lucky enough to enjoy a fantastic evening of infectious fun and flamboyant frocks at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, courtesy of The Bohemians’ production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Formed in 1909, The Bohemian Lyric Opera Company is one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected amateur companies. But before you say, “Amateur? Oh, bless,” let me assure you—this show was anything but amateur in the common usage of the word. In fact, it was a stellar example of the many ways in which ‘amdram’ productions can equal or even surpass many of the well known professional touring shows.
For those who may not be familiar with Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, it started life as a 1994 film following three drag queens as they travel across Australia in a bus—yes, you guessed it—named Priscilla. It’s a story about friendship, self-acceptance, and the joy of fabulous fashion. Starring Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp and Hugo Weaving, the film was a cult hit and won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. The musical adaptation has been dazzling audiences around the world since the early noughties, with its jukebox-musical disco hits, caustic humour, and life-affirming message.
If you are a fan of shows such as Rocky Horror or Kinky Boots and don’t know Pricilla, you should! Though, it has to be said I enjoyed this production a good bit more than the recent touring version of Kinky Boots which, although great in many respects, didn’t quite knock it out of the park for me.
From the moment the curtain rose last night, you were hit with a glitter-bomb of vibrant, energetic enthusiasm. With a huge ensemble cast and ingeniously effective sets, it really punched above its weight. The vast array of costumes was a visual treat, with more glitz than a drag queen’s dream closet and quick changes as smooth as a freshly waxed chest.
The score is an absolute joyride, stuffed full of dance-floor anthems, including a Kylie medley halfway through. Special mention on this front must be given to Rosie Sugrue, Felicity Thomas, and Emily-Jane Lister as the ‘Divas,’ belting out the hits and harmonies in a succession of improbable wigs and impractical shoes.
Speaking of the cast, Greg McCafferty-Thomson as Tick/Mitzi balanced heart, humour, and the range needed for a role that’s both extravagant and vulnerable. Graeme Melvin as Bernadette was delightful, capturing the dry wit and classy romance of the part. Finally, as the last of the titillating trio, Dean McAvoy did a great job as Adam/Felicia, keeping the ‘bitchy little queen’ character just on the right side of likeable, while clearly revelling in the more audacious moments.
Special mentions must also go to Russell Coid as the lovable Bob and Kirsten Simpson for her ‘balls-to-the-wall’ performance as his ‘mail-order bride’ Cynthia. Joshua Daniel Flemming as Miss Understanding, Lynne Sadler as Marion, Bethany Dunion as Shirley, and an adorable turn by Finn Craig as Benji round out the principal cast with strong performances all around.
The staging was very clever, with several set pieces that really stood out—the opening set the bar high (no pun intended), while a cleverly executed performance montage was another highlight. Not to mention the strategically pinged ping-pong balls… The clever mix of live lip-syncing and conventionally sung numbers also worked well.
If you can catch this production before it closes, please do. But if not, look out for The Bohemians in the future—I know I will for sure!
All words by Susan Sloan.