I saw the Sussex opening night of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – it was the best night out I've had in ages

I think the first song It’s Raining Men was the most high-octane opening number I’ve ever seen. With a cast adorned in stunning costumes courtesy of designer Vicky Gill (best known for her work on Strictly), fierce dance moves and powerhouse voices right from the get-go, it instantly put a smile on my face and had me clapping along.

And that set the tone for the whole evening. This show is completely joyous from start to finish – it is a masterclass in musical theatre and the best night out I’ve had in ages.

Playing at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday, June 20, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is an unapologetic celebration of identity and the importance of self-acceptance.

Based on the 1994 Oscar-winning film, it follows the story of three friends travelling across Australia in a dilapidated bus nicknamed Priscilla to put on the show of a lifetime.

Working as Drag Queens, they leave the relative safety of Sydney for the desert town of Alice Springs and face prejudice and toxic masculinity along the way.

But through it all, their friendship unites them and ultimately makes them stronger.

Plus, it’s all set to a fabulous soundtrack of 80s and 90s disco bangers which will have you itching to get up on your feet all night long.

Kevin Clifton, best known for his work on Strictly Come Dancing, is wonderful as Tick/Mitzi. His quest to finally meet his son that sets the trio on their course for middle Australia. He has a surprisingly tender voice, obviously moves around the stage with grace and fluidity and really seems to get to the heart of a man who is grappling with guilt about being an absent father

Nick Hayes is sensational as Felicia/Adam, bringing pizzazz and camp to the role, and an almost operatic voice. But under all that confidence is a vulnerability, and Nick tows the line between the two perfectly.

Adele Anderson is cast in the lead role of Bernadette, but as she was ill on opening night the part was played by Dakota Starr. Dakota was excellent and brought a real less-is-more approach to a slightly world-weary Bernadette. One withering look had the audience in stitches, and the comedic timing on the one-liners was perfection.

And it’s not just the three leads that were amazing, the whole cast comes together to provide a glittering night of unforgettable theatre. Not that it’s a criticism, but the only thing I would say is that there are so many performers and so many things happening on stage at one time that sometimes I didn’t know where to look. But if that’s the only negative then I think that’s a good problem to have.

While this is undeniably an energetic, colourful and highly entertaining show, there is still space to explore the emotional journey of the characters at its core.

Director Ian Talbot has done a great job of keeping the energy high and moving the story along, while also making sure that we care about the characters and root for them to succeed.

I couldn’t have loved this show any more – go and see it!

To book tickets, visit the Theatre Royal Brighton website.