Saturday 17 December 2011

'Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - The Musical', Palace Theatre, London, 15/12/11


For the second time I saw 'Priscilla' at the Palace Theatre in London which reinforced my feelings for this show: Once again I could not stop smiling from the overture through to the jubilant curtain call.


I finally got to see Richard Grieve as 'Tick' and was struck at how tall and handsome he is (he also has rather large feet!). He gave the role an elegant, assured voice and played the role with a sincerity and effortlessness that was something of a revelation. In short I fell in love with him from the get go.
Don Gallagher, Ray Meagher et al were as wonderful as before and Callum Nicol as 'Felica' was very good although Oliver Thornton who normally plays the role was missed; where Thornton has clearly perfected the role over time, Nicol has had less stage time in the role although the role is clearly an enjoyable one. Nicol's singing was top notch whilst his characterisation was clearly echoing that of Thornton (though no doubt this is how the character is written and directed) and the few individual touches that Nicol brought were enjoyable to behold.
Newley Aucett, who I'd previously seen as 'Tick' was excellent as 'Miss Understanding' setting the standard from the outset. Likewise Liz Ewing was brilliant as rough neck 'Shirley'.


The concept and the score work perfectly together and the book still comes across as sharp and succinct as before whilst the set and costume designs still remain something to be seen. 
It is still a shame that this joyous show is closing and will not be seen again (at least in this incarnation) as it has to be the most exuberant theatrical experience I've seen. I certainly can't recall any other show that makes me ache with smiling so much.

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