Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

Priscilla Queen of the Desert presented by Stray Cats Theatre Company bussed into Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for a very short season. A bold, bright production with bucketloads of sparkle, it was clearly a success with its audiences.

Unfortunately, it also faced some difficulties, with protesters objecting to the production itself, and the casting of a cis man in the role of transgender woman Bernadette. It is a shame in many ways that people are being hurt by this show, which is based on one of the first mainstream movies worldwide to feature trans and gay characters in a positive light and as heroes. I acknowledge that this is a difficult subject and that both sides have good intentions.

I must also acknowledge that the subject of the controversy, Gerard E. Rosman, who uses they/them pronouns, delivered an outstanding performance. A very attractive woman, their performance was sensitive, had depth and was beautifully sung. They appeared a little uncertain in dance numbers, but that was appropriate for a character returning to the stage after a long absence.

Bernadette’s partners in crime were also well played. Jamie Jewell had impressive drag skills and played Tick with layers and gravitas. Braeden Geuer played Adam, with pizazz, likeable despite a penchant for saying and doing the wrong thing.

The Divas, who provide vocal colour throughout, were played by a trio of impressive singers - Joanna Wilson-Smale, Lisa Taylor and Kristie Corbishley.

Outback bloke-next-door Bob was played with laid-back charm by Scott Hansen. Maita del Mar worked hard towards making her character Cynthia more than the infamous stereotype, and included a stream of fluent Tagalog that had my Filipina companions giggling. Alexandra Wall was lovely as Tig’s wife Marion. Beau Pash commanded attention as Miss Understanding. Aidan Thomas played Frank Well and wasn’t thrown by a failing microphone during his singing solo. Amy Elliot was convincing as rough-as-guts Shirley, with quality work in smaller roles from Sheryl Gale, Hunter Perry and Tamieka Lusted.

Youngest cast member Luis Proctor played Benji with intelligence and understanding and the show was supported by a huge, enthusiastic ensemble, a half dozen pit singers and a talented nine-piece orchestra.

Key prop and set piece (and character of its own) Priscilla the Bus was well created and was manually moved nicely around the stage. Costumes, headed by Linda Lowry were for the most part spectacular, with some familiar favourites recreated well.

A production with a great deal of dazzle that had the audience bopping in their seats.

Kimberley Shaw