Priscilla Queen of the Desert-The Musical-Woking Theatre.

It’s nights at the theatre like tonight that bring audiences to their feet at the end for an uplifting finale. Based upon the 1994 Australian groundbreaking hit film Priscilla Queen of the Desert-The Musical has driven into Woking Theatre until Saturday 16th May.

Understudy Fionan O’Carroll played the role of Felicia/Adam in tonight’s performance alongside her travel companions Adele Anderson as the retired “Les Girl” performer Bernadette and Tick/Mitzi (Kevin Clifton) whose idea it was originally to travel across Australia to perform in his wife’s casino in Alice Springs.

Peter Duncan, in the role of Bob who comes to Priscilla rescue when she breaks down somewhere in the desert is so in awe of Bernardette that he decides to joins them on their journey just incase Priscilla needs fixing again along the way.

A special mention has to go to the incredible ensemble cast choreographed by Matt Cole. They made the show come to life from the homophonic red necks, additional cabaret dancers, and casino workers.

Anyone who is familiar with the film will be watching for some of the iconic scenes from the film. The ping pong ball scene, the stunning operatic performance on top of the bus, and climbing up Ayres Rock. Many of them are included, which is no mean feat when the stage offers far less scope and space than the original film had in the Australian outback. Set and lighting designer Andrew Exeter adds a touch of magic to this fantastic production to recreate these scenes.

Costume designer Vicky Gill created an eye-catching range of costumes. From the ladies’ cabaret outfits to the farmers working clothes. The finale costumes capture the glamour and glitz of the Cabaret entertainment world.

Musical arranger and supervisor Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy switches the musical references around from the original film. Australian superstar Kylie Minogue replaces ABBA as the icons who influence Felicia. It worked really well and added a touch of homegrown music to the Australian production, reaching a new generation of fans to this brilliant story. Although the original film is over thirty years old, the themes and attitudes raised in the film are still relevant today.