THREE colourful characters travelling through the Australian Outback in an old bus doesn’t seem like a promising plot for a stage musical but this week’s show at Venue Cymru shows how mistaken one can be.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical is based on the popular film and has won several awards including Olivier and Tony Awards.

It is a fast-paced, moving adventure following the exploits of the three leading characters who travel across the desert in a decrepid old bus –  Priscilla.

The show features an impressive array of dazzling costumes far beyond the traditional Aussie idea of sun hat and dangling corks to keep the flies at bay.

Some of these costumes are outrageously over the top and flambouyant, which only serves to match the overall tone of the show.

The musical has a joyous mix of dance-floor classics, including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff and Boogie Wonderland. But these are just a few of the hits that feature in a show brimming with fun and exuberance.

Cast members include Darren Day in the lead role of drag queen Tick/Mitzi. Day is an established West End performer and has also enjoyed varied roles on television. He has an excellent voice and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of his solos.

His obvious experience and confident stage presence is an important factor in the show’s success.

The rest of the cast also step up the mark in an immensely entertaining show. Glamorous and decidedly glitzy...and above all, very funny.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical is at Venue Cymru until Saturday with a matinee as well as an evening performance on the last day.