X-entricity Youth Theatre, based in Ross-on-Wye, left audiences dancing on their feet with their current production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at The Courtyard in Hereford.

Priscilla is the delightfully rude, over-the-top “road movie” musical, which tells the story of three Sydney drag queens who take their show to the Australian outback in a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla).

From beginning to end, this feel-good musical is an absolute delight, full of attitude, pizzazz, and dancefloor favourites, which X-entricity tackled with ease in the safe and established hands of director, Steve Liddle, who is well-known in Ross-on-Wye.

The three leads, Bernadette (Ben Abbott), Tick/Mitzi (Lucas Abbott) and Adam/Felicia (Matt Elliott) were electric as the squabbling performing trio.

Bernadette, in particular, had the audience in the palm of his (or her!) hand from start to finish, with his witty comic timing and contemptuous one-liners.

Mitzi was equally likeable and talented, especially in ’Macarthur Park,’ whose hilarious rendition of “someone left the cake out in the rain” was sang brilliantly, and accompanied by actors in giant, West End quality ‘cake’ costumes.

Felicia also had a demanding and enjoyable stage prescence, with a great voice to match. His antics, sat in the big pink glitter shoe on the top of the bus, were particularly humorous.

Felicia’s rendition of ’Venus’ was also sung with ease, comically commanding four boys as his ‘dogs,’ whose costumes left little to the imagination!

Other stand out performances included the three Diva’s, played by Millie Francis, Charlotte Green and Honey Mckenna, who had very impressive singing voices.

Miss Understanding, (Callum Ridyard) who delivered ’What’s Love Got To Do With It’ with brilliant comic acting and confidence.

And Cynthia, the mail-order bride, (Beth Smith) who tackled her eccentric part with outstanding characterisation and confidence, and sang ’Pop Muzic’ excellently.

Shirley (Jo-Anna Grove) and Jimmy’s (Matt Lawrence) performances were also acted wonderfully, particularly Shirley’s ’I Love the Night Life.’

The talented ensemble were also fabulous in their respective parts and accompanied massive musical numbers with energy, tip-top dancing, and Australian accents!

My favourite scene was in Alice Springs Casino, in which I lost count of how many outrageous costumes were put onstage in quick succession, with so much professionalism.

The phenomenal set, specifically the revolving bus Priscilla, was extremely clever, and the sound and lighting was just as good.

Special mention must also be given to the terrific orchestra, producer Jane Hewson, and choreographer Sarah-Jane Matthews.

Priscilla runs till Saturday, November 4th, with a matinee and evening performance, and tickets can be purchased online at: www.courtyard.org.uk/events/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert/There are very few tickets left, but you will not want to miss this show!