First there was the comic road movie about two drag queens and a transgender woman taking their cabaret show to a remote Aussie town aboard a battered bus.
Then there was the brilliant Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, complete with lip-synching drag numbers, an on-stage revolving bus, and a heart-warming sub-plot about finding family and acceptance.
Now, 30 years on from the original movie, there's Priscilla The Party! at central London's Outernet, where fans can enjoy an immersive but no less fabulously costumed version of the tale.
The book is by the film's director and scriptwriter Stephan Elliott, with Allan Scott who co-wrote the 2006 musical. The costumes are from the musical, and the whole party has been re-staged for new hi tech space HERE@Outernet in Denmark Street, Soho by the musical's director Simon Phillips.
Previewing from March 3, it's a similar spin-off to Mama Mia The Party, inviting audiences to unleash their inner diva with options to either enjoy a three course meal, stand on the dance floor, or sit around it enjoying snacks and drinks from the bar.
With a queer anthem playlist including Hotstuff, It’s Raining Men, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally, Go West, Say A Little Prayer, Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing and I Will Survive, audiences are encouraged to sing along as the show unfolds around them, plus there's a DJ and pre-show entertainment, and a post-show party.
Simon Phillips said, “We’ve been telling theatregoers this story in over 30 countries now, for nearly two decades and, no matter where we have played around the world, multi-generational, diverse audiences – actually, anyone intent on having a good time – have felt more than welcome at a Priscilla show.
"Given the immense mainstream recognition drag is enjoying, there has surely never been a better time to celebrate this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and acceptance and this spectacular, interactive production will embrace its audience, immersing them in an experience they will never forget. This ultimate celebration of Priscilla’s coming of age will bring everyone together with simply the best in feel-good entertainment!”
Trans icon Munroe Bergdorf added, “Priscilla is a timeless classic; for so many queer people it was the first time that we saw drag queens in movies, that I saw a trans woman on screen.
"It’s really important we move with the times and provide new ways of telling stories that have impacted and empowered us all, so I’m very very excited and looking forward to seeing [Priscilla The Party!]… it’s such a ground-breaking story, especially in terms of everything going on with the trans community right now; this is what we need, we need stories that lead with joy, and to show that the trans experience isn’t always about tragedy."
Priscilla The Party tickets are on sale now.
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