Picture: Alan West
The original director of the much-loved Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical, Simon Phillips, is part of the team behind Priscilla The Party!, a new immersive production due to arrive in London in March.
Priscilla The Party! will sashay into HERE @ Outernet in London’s Soho from 3 March 2024 with previews ahead of an official opening on 25 March.
Announcing the latest incarnation of the colourful tale of love, friendship and full-on glamour which began with the cult 1994 film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 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 visibility and 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.
“Presented at the exciting HERE @ Outernet venue in Denmark Street in the heart of Soho, this ultimate celebration of Priscilla’s coming of age will bring everyone together with simply the best in feel-good entertainment!”
Commenting on the enduring popularity of Priscilla, trans model and activist Munroe Bergdorf added: “Priscilla is a timeless classic: for so many queer people it was the first time we saw queer people in movies, that we saw drag queens in movies, that I saw a trans woman on screen… I think 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.”
The spectacular interactive production will be staged by the creative team behind Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical – director Phillips with set and video design by Brian Thomson and Justin Nardella, costume design by Tim Chappell and Lizzy Gardiner, choreography by Andrew Hallsworth, musical arrangements, direction, supervision and orchestrations by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, music direction by Steve Geere, lighting design by Per Hording, sound design by Ben Harrison and general management by RGM Productions.
Priscilla The Party! will transport attendees to the boundless Australian outback, and a world of glitz, glamour and non-stop entertainment where they will be invited to unleash their inner diva. Guests will be invited to choose between an exclusive premium dining experience, featuring a three-course meal, or opt to sit or stand on the dance floor. Those in seats around or on the dance floor, will be offered a diverse array of bar snacks and drinks from the bar area.
Taking inspiration from a number of current hit London-based interactive and immersive productions, Priscilla The Party! will treat its audience to an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack designed to encourage everyone to sing along and a show which will unfold around them.
There will be immersive dance floor tickets like Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre; a DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre; a party sing-a-long atmosphere will echo the mood of the ABBA Voyage Arena; cabaret-style table dining will be on offer as experienced at Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (Playhouse Theatre), while a post-show party and dining options will be on offer in the same way as Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2.
Featuring a book by the original film’s writer and director Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical debuted in Sydney in 2006 before arriving in London in 2009 with Jason Donovan starring alongside Tony Sheldon and Oliver Thornton. The musical hit Broadway in 2011 with Sheldon reprising his performance as Bernadette alongside Jeremy Stanford and Will Swenson.
Angela Thomas
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