Fluff and nonsense, and so much fun

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, starring Jason Donovan, opened at the theatre on Monday night and runs until Saturday night.

I can honestly say the show helped bring Aylesbury to a standstill on the opening night as theatre-goers competed with those heading for the James Bond premiere at the Odeon for inadequate parking provision.

This theatre-goer arrived breathless, sweating and with barely seconds to spare after having to trawl round three separate car parks before finding a space – and I was by far the last to arrive.

Wake up, AVDC – if you want people to come to big town centre attractions, make sure there’s enough parking within easy reach.

Thankfully, the show was more than enough to ameliorate my parking-induced foul mood.

In reality, it’s complete fluff and nonsense from start to finish – but performed so well it was a complete delight.

What a joy to see a truly professional production at the Waterside.

Winner of 4 WhatsOnStage.com awards, including Best New Musical and based on the hit movie, Priscilla is a heartwarming story about three drag queens who hop aboard a battered old bus to cross the Australian outback in search of love and friendship.

Jason Donovan reprises the role of Tick, the part he played when the show originally opened in the West End.

And Aylesbury obviously has a thriving Jason Donovan Fan Club, if the warmth and catcalls from the audience were anything to go by.

Simon Green plays Bernadette, and Adam Bailey plays Felicia.

The show boasts very little in the way of storyline. But that’s more than made up for by the dazzling array of outrageous Olivier and Tony award­-winning costumes and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites belted out by the hugely talented cast.

Special mention must go to the three amazing backing singers, The Divas (Lisa-Marie Holmes, Laura Mansell and Catherine Mort) whose powerful voices nearly blew the house down.

The feelgood show was dazzlingly colourful, funny, touching, rousing and just what was needed to fend off the imminent Winter Blues.

And, after a standing ovation, those of us who had arrived seething, went home singing.