by Priscilla

Feb.26, 2011, under Cast Blog

My time with Priscilla has been challenging, crazy and huge amounts of fun. It has been one of the most challenging roles that I have taken on and I have learnt so much, not just on stage, but this show resonates with you. The way this show is written teaches you something about acceptance. I’ve always been a very liberal person, but this how has made me even more so and I like to think that i’ve come out of the show a better person. I’ve also had a chance to work with some great actors, some great performers and its been a riot.

The most difficult thing on Priscilla, without a shadow of a doubt is wearing the heels. They have been the bain of my life, trying not to injure myself. I have to have two massages a week just to iron my legs out so I don’t get knee problems because of the heels and the platforms. Originally the most challenging thing was trying to get the character so he was believable, in that he had a relationship with Marian way way back and also now he’s a drag queen and openly gay. It’s about getting that blend right so that you believe both situations and that he’s comfortable in these environments.

Ben Richards

The most fun part of Priscilla is the whole thing. The piece itself has so much enjoyment to it and the affect it has on the audiences that come to see it is incredible. There are very few shows like this that affect the audiences so much. I think the nearest one is Rocky Horror, which is a very different style of musical. I think Priscilla takes it a bit deeper and maybe makes people think a little bit more. If people leave the show and are made to think a bit more before they pass judgement on others that would be great.

I will miss working with these guys. I mean Don lives quite close to my parents so I promised at Christmas that my wife and I would go over and have some mulled wine. I also know where these guys go out, we go to the same pub, so I know where to catch up with them. The one thing I’d love to take with me is the outfit I wear when we sing We Belong. It’s just so outrageous.

I’ve had lots of chats with Richard who is taking over as Tick as he’s been following me for a few days. He’s going to be such a massive asset to the show. He’s going to look so much better than me in drag, he’s going to be cracking, well worth the ticket entry alone. The only advice I have for him is to get on top of the quick changes and just to let Priscilla into your heart. Priscilla has a great backstage and creative team, which will make sure that everything is there for the new cast.

The Shoe at the Palace Theatre

I’m not sure what the future holds for me. I like to keep changing things. It was great to go from the playboy copper on The Bill to the drag queen in Priscilla. So I want to continue surprising people with the choices that I make. It’s all about things that interest me. I’m heading off to LA after this for a few weeks for some meetings and there’s a possibility of a fun project here that would be completely different.

I would just like to say to all the fans, thank you. Thank you for being such great audiences, thank you for being so connected to this show and taking it into you heart and coming back week after week. So please keep coming! For the show to run and run we need that sort of incredible fan base. I hope in years to come I walk past this theatre and still see that big bright shoe out front and someone new and exciting playing Tick.

If you want to keep up with Ben you can follow him on twitter @benrichardsact