by Priscilla

Mar.14, 2011, under Cast Blog

Marion is the ex wife of Tick. She runs a casino in Alice Springs. They had a baby together six years ago and subsequently the marriage broke down. Thankfully, Marion was able to quickly come to terms with the fact that Tick was gay and that therefore the relationship wouldn’t work, but she still had a lot of love for Tick. She always has and she always will. She’s very accepting of her role as a single mother, raising Benji alone in Alice Springs and sending the occasional photograph to Tick who now lives in Sydney. This is just the back story! At the point that the show begins, Marion believes it is the right time for Tick to meet Benji who is now beginning to ask questions. She believes it would be good for Benji, but also for Tick and for herself. So, Tick embarks on his journey across the desert and I’m pleased to report that all ends well!

I hadn’t worked in theatre for three years before taking Priscilla as I’d been a regular character in Doctors. I hadn’t actually seen the show until the audition process. When I did finally see it I thought it was fantastic. Utterly, unashamedly camp in the most glorious way! I thought it would be a lot of fun. Priscilla’s been very successful and I was very happy to accept when they offered me the job. My Doctors character was rather dark and troubled. I enjoyed playing Ruth a lot and I got to do some terrific things, but it is nice to have a totally different challenge in Priscilla.

Selina Chilton

My last theatre job was a play at the Almeida called Marianne Dreams. I was lucky enough to play the title role. It was a brilliant experience and one that I won’t forget. I’m really glad to be back in the West End, having also been part of the original British cast of The Drowsy Chaperone, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Mamma Mia which marked my West End debut – I can’t believe that was ten years ago!

The music in Pricilla is terrific. When you’re back stage at the top of the show and the overture kicks in, you can’t fail to feel uplifted and ready for the madness that awaits! I love that I don’t just play Marion. I get to play a girl in a pub, a giant paintbrush, a country bumpkin, a man! Being part of a really hard working ensemble keeps the job varied and fresh.

I’ve only just started, but from memory, doing a very high octane show eight times a week will be exhausting - not only because of all the calories you burn onstage, but also because of the frantic offstage costume changes. I think it will be challenging to keep the show alive and energised, but I’m up for that challenge.

People should come to Priscilla because it is pure escapism. Be ready to experience something warm, witty, glitzy, fabulous…..and outrageously rude! You’d be a fool to miss it.