The lipstick and the glitter return to the West End in this new immersive production playing at the Outernet. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this rainbow-coloured carnival of hot stuff will survive.
“I thought they loved us… Only until sunrise”. It’s been 10 years since I heard those words for the first time, but they keep resonating within me with the same strength – fortunately enough, though, in a different manner. Priscilla is more than a just light comedy about three drunk drags hitting the road (and each other – those b*tches have claws). In fact, we may say it’s everything but that. It’s a story about outsiders turning the world upside down and proving that the only odd one out is heteronormativity. It’s an inspiring tale of friendship, resilience and commitment to what you are and what you want to be. And despite how worn-out this term may sound by now, a true example of empowerment.
Put your best nail polish on (because those greenies are *Scottish accent* DIS-GUS-TANG) and get ready for the brightest, liveliest, and cockiest (yes, it’s gonna be that kind of humour all throughout) celebration of camp the West End has to offer this season. Let your troubles outside and get yourself deep into this funk hole (you see?) where, just like on the night of the 31st of May, at the strike of midnight (or the Overture chords) everything turns gay.
Welcome to Priscilla, The Party!, a new immersive theatre experience at the very heart of London’s theatreland, submerging us into a world of feathers, spangles and a few fake boobs (those ladies in the hen party thought I couldn’t tell…), and providing us with the ultimate parade of chichi queerness. The cylinders are full and the space is open (and also the bus is all set up to go). Are you joining us on the ride? Huge toilet area too – just saying.
Rehashing both the story and repertoire from its initial version, the show preserves the essence of the original while, in some way, updating it with a few new songs (the purists will whine saying Lady Gaga can’t be included in a 90s-themed plot, but I think those plastic dolls will never love again) and a new character serving as the recount’s narrator. Featuring a simple yet dynamic staging, with stagehand-operated platforms moving around the dance floor, the production manages to bring back the flamboyance of its sister montage by replacing the big sets for the spectacle of its performance – regaling us with over-the-top numbers, fantastic renditions and a nibble or two to put in your mouth… (I’m just checking my manicure as your process that last sentence).
Yes, you’ve read right – there’s a lot good stuff to gorge on here before, after and during the play. Just be careful if you want to sink your teeth (not everyone is into that…) because chances are it will be dripping. From delicious mini-cheeseburgers (I got, you dirty pig) to piquant pulled pork nachos (that’s all I was referring to before…), the food is, no doubt, one of the biggest stars of this montage – indulging us with more than just a theatrical experience, but an actual holiday trip into the nightclub paradise of drag.
The applause continues onto its, in general, rather solid cast, excelling through their infectious energy (and cattiness) and, all in all, remarkable vocals. Among them, Trevor Ashley makes one of the most memorable appearances in the role of Gay Cliche (at least, the name is better than Miss Understanding, I never got it… okay, I’ll stop…), giving a hilarious portrayal serving as one of the main driving forces for the entire show. However, the biggest mention goes, second time in a row, to Reece Kerridge in the part of Adam/Felicia, giving a marvelous interpretation exuding charm, charisma and a flip-flopping ability (no pun intended) by playing a personage completely different from his previous work in Spongebob, The Musical.
“Someday you will thank the bullies for making you confident to leave a small sleepy town and move to the big city to find yourself”. It’s strange how the words Reece chose for his press night Instagram story reflect, so precisely, my journey. A journey that, like possibly every gay kid’s, has been redirected (and saved) by all these pieces encouraging acceptance and pride towards what we are. Priscilla is dazzling, silly and fun. But it’s also incredibly profound and insightful. It’s become a reference for so many people, that the fact that is back, with even more positive vibes than ever before, just makes me wanna shake and go West. Because this show is more than a fabulous night out. It’s a wonderful homage to where we belong.
All pictures credit to Marc Brenner.
Priscilla, The Party! plays at London’s Here at the Outernet from Thursdays to Mondays. Tickets are available on the following link.