REVIEW
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan present
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL
SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION
Monday 24 February 2020 - Saturday 29 February 2020
PLUS INTERVIEW WITH EMMA CROSSLEY
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan present
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL
SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION
Monday 24 February 2020 - Saturday 29 February 2020
PLUS INTERVIEW WITH EMMA CROSSLEY
Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is supposed to be a heart-warming story of self-discovery and acceptance, unfortunately, this touring production of the musical doesn't quite hit the mark.
It follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus they have named Priscilla, along the way encountering various groups and individuals who either love or loathe their chosen lifestyles and make no bones about showing how they feel. The film became iconic for its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals and alongside the stage adaption of the film, has now become a cult classic around the world.
This is a show that is full of excess and exaggeration, theatrical pizzazz, sassiness and glamour accompanied by anthemic disco beats, colourful costumes and creative choreography . The heart of the show is its underlying theme of being different, accepting and being accepted which really gives it the depth that makes it such a special story and wins the affection of audiences.
This production is pretty much a show of two halves with the first Act introducing us to the characters of Mitzi (Joe McFadden), Felicia (Nick Hayes) and Bernadette (Miles Western).
The Divas, Aiesha Pease, Claudia Kariuki and Rosie Glossop belt out each of their numbers beautifully and Kevin Yates does a great job of warming up the audience with the spectacular What's Love Got To Do With It number giving it lots of sass with the audience in the Club scenes.
Nick Hayes gives a great performance as the bitchy Felicia throughout the show and is probably the most believable of the three. Joe McFadden never really convinces as Tick, the gay, one time married man, who has had a child and is now a drag queen. His character comes across as being pretty much all on one level and he seems to spend a lot of the time mugging up to the audience, almost as if for approval, which is a shame because we never really get to feel his pain and the ultimate fear that his son won't be able to accept him for who he is. Miles Western does a nice turn as Bernadette, who has the best one liners ever but sadly a lot of these were lost in the delivery.
Act 2 felt much better and certainly had more laugh out loud moments. It also introduced us to the gentle, endearing Bob, nicely played by Daniel Fletcher.
I may have been spoilt by having seen this production twice in the West End in all its tinsel-tassled and sequinned glory although I have also seen it put on by local am dram group, The Players Theatre Company, who put on an equally impressive production themselves a few years back. This touring production seemed sadly lacking in so many ways. It just didn't seem to quite reach the 'wow' factor or pull the heartstrings in the way it should; the bus - the titular feature, for goodness sake - wasn't even that overly impressive - and where was the giant shoe?
All this said, however, it was clearly evident that the audience at the opening night at Southend's Cliffs Pavilion were having an absolute blast and yes, there are lots of brilliant, funny, laugh out loud moments to be had here. The ensemble work their butts off with some fabulous stand out choreography from Tom Jackson Greaves and every song sounds amazing with numbers including It's Raining Men, Go West, I Will Survive, Colour Your World, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Hot Stuff and Boogie Wonderland to name just a few of the many songs in this production. This show certainly doesn't fail in being able to deliver the feel-good factor and the band in the pit under the stage led by MD, Sean Green, sound fabulous.
If you want to hear some great songs, see some cool costumes, have a good laugh and lose yourself in the utterly crazy world of Priscilla Queen of the Desert then you won't be disappointed.
It follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus they have named Priscilla, along the way encountering various groups and individuals who either love or loathe their chosen lifestyles and make no bones about showing how they feel. The film became iconic for its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals and alongside the stage adaption of the film, has now become a cult classic around the world.
This is a show that is full of excess and exaggeration, theatrical pizzazz, sassiness and glamour accompanied by anthemic disco beats, colourful costumes and creative choreography . The heart of the show is its underlying theme of being different, accepting and being accepted which really gives it the depth that makes it such a special story and wins the affection of audiences.
This production is pretty much a show of two halves with the first Act introducing us to the characters of Mitzi (Joe McFadden), Felicia (Nick Hayes) and Bernadette (Miles Western).
The Divas, Aiesha Pease, Claudia Kariuki and Rosie Glossop belt out each of their numbers beautifully and Kevin Yates does a great job of warming up the audience with the spectacular What's Love Got To Do With It number giving it lots of sass with the audience in the Club scenes.
Nick Hayes gives a great performance as the bitchy Felicia throughout the show and is probably the most believable of the three. Joe McFadden never really convinces as Tick, the gay, one time married man, who has had a child and is now a drag queen. His character comes across as being pretty much all on one level and he seems to spend a lot of the time mugging up to the audience, almost as if for approval, which is a shame because we never really get to feel his pain and the ultimate fear that his son won't be able to accept him for who he is. Miles Western does a nice turn as Bernadette, who has the best one liners ever but sadly a lot of these were lost in the delivery.
Act 2 felt much better and certainly had more laugh out loud moments. It also introduced us to the gentle, endearing Bob, nicely played by Daniel Fletcher.
I may have been spoilt by having seen this production twice in the West End in all its tinsel-tassled and sequinned glory although I have also seen it put on by local am dram group, The Players Theatre Company, who put on an equally impressive production themselves a few years back. This touring production seemed sadly lacking in so many ways. It just didn't seem to quite reach the 'wow' factor or pull the heartstrings in the way it should; the bus - the titular feature, for goodness sake - wasn't even that overly impressive - and where was the giant shoe?
All this said, however, it was clearly evident that the audience at the opening night at Southend's Cliffs Pavilion were having an absolute blast and yes, there are lots of brilliant, funny, laugh out loud moments to be had here. The ensemble work their butts off with some fabulous stand out choreography from Tom Jackson Greaves and every song sounds amazing with numbers including It's Raining Men, Go West, I Will Survive, Colour Your World, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Hot Stuff and Boogie Wonderland to name just a few of the many songs in this production. This show certainly doesn't fail in being able to deliver the feel-good factor and the band in the pit under the stage led by MD, Sean Green, sound fabulous.
If you want to hear some great songs, see some cool costumes, have a good laugh and lose yourself in the utterly crazy world of Priscilla Queen of the Desert then you won't be disappointed.
Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have announced that their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical will extend its UK tour dates through to 2020. The show, which was announced last year, and will star Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, will tour the UK and Ireland from September 2019. It marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours.
Full casting for the production has also been announced today. Previously announced Joe McFadden will play Tick/Mitzi, Laurence Olivier Award Winner Miles Western will take on the role as Bernadette and Nick Hayes will play Adam/Felicia. They are joined by Daniel Fletcher (Bob), Miranda Wilford (Marion), Kevin Yates (Miss Understanding), Jacqui Sanchez (Cynthia). The Divas will be played by Nikki Bentley, Claudia Kariuki, Rosie Glossop and the cast is completed by Jak Allen-Anderson, Natalie Chua, Emma Crossley, Jordan Cunningham, Martin Harding, Justin-Lee Jones, Nell Martin and Edwin Ray.
Full casting for the production has also been announced today. Previously announced Joe McFadden will play Tick/Mitzi, Laurence Olivier Award Winner Miles Western will take on the role as Bernadette and Nick Hayes will play Adam/Felicia. They are joined by Daniel Fletcher (Bob), Miranda Wilford (Marion), Kevin Yates (Miss Understanding), Jacqui Sanchez (Cynthia). The Divas will be played by Nikki Bentley, Claudia Kariuki, Rosie Glossop and the cast is completed by Jak Allen-Anderson, Natalie Chua, Emma Crossley, Jordan Cunningham, Martin Harding, Justin-Lee Jones, Nell Martin and Edwin Ray.
The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.
Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.
This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, musical supervision by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, musical direction from Sean Green, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison. Casting by Will Burton for David Grindrod Associates.
Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.
This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, musical supervision by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, musical direction from Sean Green, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison. Casting by Will Burton for David Grindrod Associates.
More info at PriscillaUKTour.com & PriscillaUKTour.co.uk
Twitter/ Facebook / Instagram / Website
Tickets at . SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION . Tel: 01702 351135
Please visit www.priscillauktour.com for details of 2019 touring dates
Twitter/ Facebook / Instagram / Website
Tickets at . SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION . Tel: 01702 351135
Please visit www.priscillauktour.com for details of 2019 touring dates
Southend Theatre Scene's Andrew Walters catches up with Emma Crossley who tells him what it's like being part of the ensemble of Priscilla, being a cover and the joys of touring!
You’re currently touring the country with Priscilla. Do you enjoy touring life?
Yes I do! You get to visit cities around the country and see lots of great places, especially cities like Edinburgh, Dublin, Liverpool, which was a particularly good one, and which you wouldn’t ordinarily get to go to. I have friends and family around the country too, so it’s a great way to catch up with them.
Do you find the response to the show varies from place to place, or does it hit the same spot every time?
It seems to hit the same spot with this particular show. They literally go wild! It’s great! Except for one moment when an “offensive” term gets spread down the bus, which DOES get a different reaction every night, from gasps to nervous laughter.
There has been so much social change in the last ten years or so since the musical, let alone the film, originally appeared. Do you think this has affected the way the audiences respond to the show?
I think we all like to think things have changed for the better, but there is still a very real problem, although shows like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and Kinky Boots all carry a similar message, which is one of acceptance, and the message still hits home hard.
Did you all have to watch the original film as part of the preparation for being in the musical?
We actually didn’t have to, but I have seen it, some years ago. I had friends who went to the original casting for the musical too, which was back in 2009, i think, so it’s been around for a while now.
Let’s talk about you and your own career a little. You trained at Performers College in Corringham but you don’t originate from Essex?
I’m from West Yorkshire, a small town called Brighouse. One of the older girls at my dance school went to Performers, and I went to a summer school there when I was maybe, 14, and loved it, so I decided I would like to go there to train. I loved my time there. It was one of the best times.
Do you feel that your training stood you in good stead for a life in showbusiness?
Oh absolutely, yes. I mean, it was hard! I went when I was only 16, just a baby really, but we had amazing training, and great teachers, including the marvellous Brian Rodgers. He was just incredible. He was so hands on at college, and we got to spend a lot of time with him. We were so lucky. Sadly he’s no longer with us now.
Well, you now have a number of musicals on your CV including Kinky Boots in London, and in particular, you’ve done a lot of “covering”. Can you tell us a little about what that involves?
Well, it would mean to understudy a lead role, so as well as your own “ensemble track”, you would also learn a lead role, and be prepared to go on when someone is either off sicker injured, or on holiday, and a “swing” would go on in my place when that happens.
Does ‘Covering” involve a lot of extra rehearsal?
Initially yes, so once the original show is up and running, you will be in every day, then, when it’s been learned, you will do a cover run to make sure you know what you are doing, which is essential to help you find out where you do quick changes, and all the different areas back-stage somewhere. That can be really tricky. When we did Mama Mia, we did everything all at once, and were in, rehearsing every day for 3 months! But then once we learned it, our rehearsing was done.
Are you covering any roles in Priscilla?
Yes I cover one of the “Divas” and Marion, who is the mum of Angie.
What do you do on the day you arrive at a new theatre?
Well, on the get in day, we always have a sound and mic check. then we run a few numbers on stage. Sometimes, if we’re going to a theatre with a much smaller stage, like Cambridge which we’ve got coming up, we have rehearsals to re-block the show to change things around for that too.
So when you were at college, what were your dreams, and how have they panned out up to now?
Well, I always wanted to do West End, and when I got there I thought, “Oh my god!! I’ve done it!!” But, when I was very little, I wanted to be a ballerina, but I was told by Royal Ballet that my legs were too short! But then, if i’d gone down that route I wouldn’t have realised that I could sing, and used my singing voice, and gone into musicals, so it’s all worked out for the best. I’m massively glad that things have worked out the way they have.
So you are what they call an “all-rounder” then?
Yes, exactly, although, having left college when I was 18, I’m 33 now, and sometimes I think, “Ooooh, your body’s getting a bit old for all this dancing!!” But I’m still doing it!
In that case, how do you see your career going in the future?
Well, more singing, acting, and cutting down the dancing a little. I’ve been doing a lot of dancing since I left college in 2003! I’ve done a lot of BIG shows now, including the original cast of Kinky Boots in London, so it would be interesting to try some smaller shows, and generally new things in time.
I’ve just realised, you’ve now done 2 shows that originated as films!
Yes, and when we did Kinky Boots I didn’t even realise there was a film of it too. I’ve seen it since, but not at the time. Likewise Once, the musical too.
How long are you continuing with the Priscilla tour?
We’ve been on tour since September, and finish at the end of May. It’s a very busy show. We have many costume changes and even have a wardrobe area in the wings, so once the show starts, we don’t get back to the dressing room until the interval! It literally flies by.
What is your favourite song in the show?
Obviously I Will Survive is a favourite, and I also love the Kylie medley.
Are you looking forward to your week in Southend at the Cliffs Pavilion?
Oh yes! I was there 2 years ago in Fat Friends, and it was great! But that’s the only time I’ve ever been there, which is weird considering I trained in Essex.
Well thank you very much Emma for giving us such a splendid insight into being part of Priscilla, and also your life as a performer. See you soon in Southend at the Cliffs.
Interview with Emma Crossley by Andrew Walters
Yes I do! You get to visit cities around the country and see lots of great places, especially cities like Edinburgh, Dublin, Liverpool, which was a particularly good one, and which you wouldn’t ordinarily get to go to. I have friends and family around the country too, so it’s a great way to catch up with them.
Do you find the response to the show varies from place to place, or does it hit the same spot every time?
It seems to hit the same spot with this particular show. They literally go wild! It’s great! Except for one moment when an “offensive” term gets spread down the bus, which DOES get a different reaction every night, from gasps to nervous laughter.
There has been so much social change in the last ten years or so since the musical, let alone the film, originally appeared. Do you think this has affected the way the audiences respond to the show?
I think we all like to think things have changed for the better, but there is still a very real problem, although shows like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and Kinky Boots all carry a similar message, which is one of acceptance, and the message still hits home hard.
Did you all have to watch the original film as part of the preparation for being in the musical?
We actually didn’t have to, but I have seen it, some years ago. I had friends who went to the original casting for the musical too, which was back in 2009, i think, so it’s been around for a while now.
Let’s talk about you and your own career a little. You trained at Performers College in Corringham but you don’t originate from Essex?
I’m from West Yorkshire, a small town called Brighouse. One of the older girls at my dance school went to Performers, and I went to a summer school there when I was maybe, 14, and loved it, so I decided I would like to go there to train. I loved my time there. It was one of the best times.
Do you feel that your training stood you in good stead for a life in showbusiness?
Oh absolutely, yes. I mean, it was hard! I went when I was only 16, just a baby really, but we had amazing training, and great teachers, including the marvellous Brian Rodgers. He was just incredible. He was so hands on at college, and we got to spend a lot of time with him. We were so lucky. Sadly he’s no longer with us now.
Well, you now have a number of musicals on your CV including Kinky Boots in London, and in particular, you’ve done a lot of “covering”. Can you tell us a little about what that involves?
Well, it would mean to understudy a lead role, so as well as your own “ensemble track”, you would also learn a lead role, and be prepared to go on when someone is either off sicker injured, or on holiday, and a “swing” would go on in my place when that happens.
Does ‘Covering” involve a lot of extra rehearsal?
Initially yes, so once the original show is up and running, you will be in every day, then, when it’s been learned, you will do a cover run to make sure you know what you are doing, which is essential to help you find out where you do quick changes, and all the different areas back-stage somewhere. That can be really tricky. When we did Mama Mia, we did everything all at once, and were in, rehearsing every day for 3 months! But then once we learned it, our rehearsing was done.
Are you covering any roles in Priscilla?
Yes I cover one of the “Divas” and Marion, who is the mum of Angie.
What do you do on the day you arrive at a new theatre?
Well, on the get in day, we always have a sound and mic check. then we run a few numbers on stage. Sometimes, if we’re going to a theatre with a much smaller stage, like Cambridge which we’ve got coming up, we have rehearsals to re-block the show to change things around for that too.
So when you were at college, what were your dreams, and how have they panned out up to now?
Well, I always wanted to do West End, and when I got there I thought, “Oh my god!! I’ve done it!!” But, when I was very little, I wanted to be a ballerina, but I was told by Royal Ballet that my legs were too short! But then, if i’d gone down that route I wouldn’t have realised that I could sing, and used my singing voice, and gone into musicals, so it’s all worked out for the best. I’m massively glad that things have worked out the way they have.
So you are what they call an “all-rounder” then?
Yes, exactly, although, having left college when I was 18, I’m 33 now, and sometimes I think, “Ooooh, your body’s getting a bit old for all this dancing!!” But I’m still doing it!
In that case, how do you see your career going in the future?
Well, more singing, acting, and cutting down the dancing a little. I’ve been doing a lot of dancing since I left college in 2003! I’ve done a lot of BIG shows now, including the original cast of Kinky Boots in London, so it would be interesting to try some smaller shows, and generally new things in time.
I’ve just realised, you’ve now done 2 shows that originated as films!
Yes, and when we did Kinky Boots I didn’t even realise there was a film of it too. I’ve seen it since, but not at the time. Likewise Once, the musical too.
How long are you continuing with the Priscilla tour?
We’ve been on tour since September, and finish at the end of May. It’s a very busy show. We have many costume changes and even have a wardrobe area in the wings, so once the show starts, we don’t get back to the dressing room until the interval! It literally flies by.
What is your favourite song in the show?
Obviously I Will Survive is a favourite, and I also love the Kylie medley.
Are you looking forward to your week in Southend at the Cliffs Pavilion?
Oh yes! I was there 2 years ago in Fat Friends, and it was great! But that’s the only time I’ve ever been there, which is weird considering I trained in Essex.
Well thank you very much Emma for giving us such a splendid insight into being part of Priscilla, and also your life as a performer. See you soon in Southend at the Cliffs.
Interview with Emma Crossley by Andrew Walters