The former Strictly winner tells us all about his latest star turn in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, hitting Cambridge Corn Exchange this month
What can audiences expect from Priscilla?
It’s quite surprising as a musical because there’s a real story there, there’s a real heart to it and it’s genuinely about something important. It’s about three misfits being drawn together and going on a journey, finding things out about themselves. As well as there being great songs and fantastic dancing, I think people are going to be – and they are being – moved by it. The reaction we’re getting every night is fantastic and people are saying that as well as being uplifting and joyful and toe-tapping, it makes them think and see other people’s points of view. And even though these characters might be very different to themselves, they can relate to the struggles and the journey that they all go through.
Which musical number do you enjoy the most?
It changes. There are so many amazing songs in there. We Belong is a really lovely moment – it’s right at the end of the show when the three drag queens all come together, and it’s the end of their journey. True Colours is another lovely moment; we encounter some real danger and homophobia when we’re on the road and that’s another moment of the three of us coming together and helping each other through some dark times.
Are the costumes in the show as impressive as the ones in the film?
They absolutely are. The real challenge that the designers had facing them when they took the job on was that the costumes from the film are iconic. Everyone remembers them, the flip-flop dress and the bus… and even in the West End the design was amazing. It was a high bar for them to meet and I think they absolutely have done that. People rave about the costumes and they’re every bit as vibrant and eye-catching as the ones that have gone before.
Did you find the Australian accent difficult to get to grips with?
It’s been fine; we had a really great accent coach and I try to immerse myself in the culture as much as I can. I’ve been watching loads of Kath & Kim and Dame Edna Everage and other Australian stuff over the months. It’s quite a fun one to do and it doesn’t feel too difficult!
How are you finding dancing in heels?
That certainly was a challenge all in itself. Even staying upright in the beginning and just putting them on in front of people for the first time was quite nerve-wracking, thinking I was going to fall over! But as the weeks of rehearsals went on it got easier and – touch wood – it feels OK now. It’s like everything else: the more you do it the easier it gets. I still don’t understand why women do it, but I appreciate the effort that it takes all of a sudden!
What’s been your favourite venue so far?
It’s so difficult to say… I did love playing Cambridge when I was there doing The House on Cold Hill early last year, it was amazing. It was great to have an excuse to go to Cambridge; it was a shame that I’d never been there before. That’s a real highlight of touring, getting to visit places like Cambridge, Oxford, Malvern and Shrewsbury – all of these really fantastic, historic and beautiful places that I haven’t experienced before.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is showing from 10 to 15 February at Cambridge Corn Exchange. cambridgelive.org.uk
