Priscilla the Party!
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: HERE at Outernet, London
Cast: Dakota Starr, Owain Williams, Reece Kerridge, Trevor Ashley, Grace Galloway, Gracie Lai, Sara Louise, Steven Serlin, Kimberly Blake, Lucy Park, Joni Ayton-Kent, John McGlone and Matthew Facchino
Celebrating 30 years since the film burst onto our screens and 18 years since London first welcomed the stage musical, we are proud to announce the world premiere of Priscilla The Party! So, dust off your wigs and heels, brush up your disco moves and cover yourself in all the glitter you can find, because the iconic, joyous and award-winning hit musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is now a Party!
This new immersive show that is definitely more than a party is currently being performed at the new purpose-built for live events space, Here at Outernet, located in London's Soho. The show lasts for around two hours, broken up by two short intervals throughout. Rather than a traditional theatre show, this feels more interactive and more cabaret in style.
This production does come with four ticket options, varying in price and what you receive. The dancefloor option (which I had) allows you to be part of the party and embrace the immersive side of the show. This was the best option for me, personally, as I love to be part of the action. This option also gives you the freedom to head up to the bar for drinks and snacks before the show, and throughout.
The other options available are seated, which consists of rows alongside the dance floor, watching the action first-hand. You also have the option for Mezzanine Dining whereby you receive a welcome prosecco, a three-course dinner, as well as half a bottle of wine. And finally, Premium Mezzanine Dining, which has an exclusive pre-show cocktail with a canape reception and hour before the show begins, as well as the perks from the Mezzanine Dining.
This story is based on the film, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - and the storyline is very simple but effective. It follows three drags performers as they travel across the desert on a bus and perform their unique style of cabaret. This show has everything you could possibly want from a night out. It's so full of colour, hope, love and heartfelt moments. As well as overflowing with classic songs - what's not to love? I very much enjoyed Reece Kerridge's rendition of Kylie's classic, “Better the Devil You Know” and I definitely wouldn't mind borrowing that particular costume.
The costumes, designed by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, were just stunning - so full of life, character and felt really magical. They brought each colour of the rainbow to life, with feathers and lots of glitter (as it should be), all while recreating iconic looks from the film itself.
The staging has been excellently choreographed by Andrew Hallsworth, and with perfect timing from the crowd control team, the immersive staging works beautifully. I really liked this aspect of the staging and how at some point in the dance floor section, you would get a front row view.
Owain Williams, Dakota Starr and Reece Kerridge are just perfectly cast for the roles they're playing. Their harmonies and beautiful vocals compliment each other well, and from the vantage point of the dance floor, you really feel their emotions deeply and as though you're on this journey with them - because at the end of the day, we all just want to be accepted for who we are. Shoutouts to the extremely funny and entertaining MC for the night - Trevor Ashley, and to the stunning Divas, (Grace Galloway, Gracie Lai and Sara Louise) whose vocals were just insanely good.
Surprisingly, there are a few heartfelt moments within the show. One of which is shortly followed by audience participation (don't worry, it's optional!). This is a show for everyone, that has something for everyone, and helps you to learn to love who you are as a person.
You can book tickets to Priscilla the Party! at HERE at Outernet, here.
Review by Sarah
**photography by Marc Brenner**
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