Review: PRISCILLA THE PARTY, HERE at Outernet
Marc Brenner
From the 1994 Oscar-winning film to a Tony Award and Olivier Award winning musical as a global sensation, Priscilla the Party is now a Fun, Camp, Drag- Queen, Party extravaganza!
HERE at Outernet is the perfect location to host this show in a nightclub atmosphere, in the heart of the West End. From the moment you are greeted at the doors you feel exclusive; as you’re invited to join the lively fun with the compelling energy of a hen-party, drag scene in full swing, where every moment is a celebration.
Jukebox nostalgia is an essential component of this lively interactive experience as the music serves as the life-blood for the party atmosphere. From Disco classics such as ‘It’s Raining Men’, to iconic bubble-gum pop like ‘Girl’s just wanna have fun‘ it is sure to get you singing and dancing, alongside anthems of empowerment like ‘Born this way’, every song captures the joyous celebration that defines Priscilla.
Andrew Hallsworth’s choreography gets more and more impressive and flamboyant as the show progresses; it’s audacious flare escalating into a visual spectacle matching the exuberance of the performers. Costume Designer’s Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner’s wonderful creations epitomise the vibrancy of the Drag Queen scene, topping each unique outfit with yet more feathers, more glitter and yet more wild antics, sending the audience to the land where dreams come true... from cupcakes to flip-flop dresses, you never know what to expect next!
Brian Thomson’s and Justin Nardella’s vibrant back projections and Per Hörding’s disco lighting create the hedonistic ambiance, while one of the show’s standout features is the distinctive moveable staging, which orbits the dancefloor, surrounded by revellers - undeniably the best tickets in the house!
The simplified story glosses over the original plot, three friends – Tick/Mitzi (Owain Williams ) , Adam (Reece Kerridge) , and Bernadette (Dakota Starr) taking their drag road show across the Australian desert searching for love, friendship and a place to shine . Williams , Kerridge and Starr, lead the larger-than-life cast with heart, humour and great chemistry.
No party is complete without refreshments, the fabulous range of drag-themed cocktails and readily available bar snacks of nachos, sliders and cake add to the celebration. Everyone was having fun, mingling, dancing, singing and dressed for the occasion. My only reservation here is it how the characters heavily relied on predictable jokes and clichés, which lacked emotional depth and originality.
Everything about Priscilla the Party is flamboyant, camp and glitzy. With its infectious energy, dazzling costumes and sensational performances, this is the perfect place for a party celebration with friends.
So… grab a cocktail or two, put some sequins on and a feather boa, and get ready to dance the night away... ‘Priscilla the Party awaits’.
*** Three Stars
Reviewed by Marina Holmes Smith
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