The audience entering Rhyl's Pavilion Theatre were greeted by a playlist of disco classics from the likes of Sister Sledge and Chic on Wednesday in a bid to ensure they were suitably pumped ahead of the start of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical.

Theatre staff needn't have bothered Priscilla Queen of the Desert has proved a Broadway and West End smash and gone from a cult Australian LGBTQ+ 90s movie to something of a phenomenon.

To say excitement and anticipation was at a fever pitch among the assembled crowd would be an understatement. They were here to have a good time.

After the producer of this fabulously feelgood production and Aussie soap Neighbours legend Jason Donovan made a surprise cameo by way of his disembodied voice being used for the obligatory mobile phone 'switch-off' message, we are transported to Sydney's Cockatoo Club and introduced to Holby City and former Strictly winner Joe McFadden.

His character Tick's telephone call from his wife Marion (Amanda Wilford) reminding him of his role as a father to son Benji, and inviting him and his drag queen persona Mitzi to play a series of shows at Alice Springs Casino, begins are story.

Tick's need to quickly assemble a trio of performers sees him team up with the fantastic Nick Hayes as the bold and supremely funny and bitchy Adam/Felicia, unveiled during a lip sync performance of Bananarama's Venus, and whose dream is to perform a Kylie medley on the top of Ayers Rock dressed in full showgirl outfit.

Miles Western, wonderful as the stoic and courageous Bernadette, in search of love following the death of her partner due to a bizarre hairdressing/ peroxide fume incident, makes up the final member of our three amigos.

Over the next two hours we are willing passenger's on this unconventional road trip across the Australian bush in a bus, brilliantly brought to life by use of clever set design.

We are treated to the highs and lows of the trios life affirming journey, from winning over an unsophisticated group of patrons of an outback watering hole before being exposed to prejudice from the aforementioned crowd hours later, with an offensive term daubed on side of their bus serving as an upsetting parting-gift.

This new production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert perfectly contracts these entertaining scenes with genuinely moving moments, and is not afraid to shine a light on discrimination of LGBTQ+ people, another example involving a reckless Felicia and a visit to another Australian mining town boozer.

Also while Tick's relationship with his family and Bernadette's touching love story with Outback mechanic Bob, played by the brilliant Daniel Fletcher, provide the show's heart, let's not forget first and foremost Priscilla Queen of the Desert is about having fun.

The essential ingredients being outrageous costumes, stunning sets and a tremendous live soundtrack courtesy of the show band featuring the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, The Village People, and this reviewer's favourite, Donna Summer's Macarthur Park, brought to life courtesy of a spellbinding performance by McFadden.

By the show's climax the audience were on their feet whooping, dancing and singing along to the hits from yesteryear, a scene that would serve as a curtain raiser to what would be a memorable night on the town.

And for those bitten by the Priscilla Queen of the Desert bug following Saturday's final performance, I'm reliably informed that the Pavilion Theatre's neighbouring bar/restaurant 1891, is hosting a free after show party from 10pm, complete with DJ.

Don't miss out on Priscilla Queen of the Desert is on at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre until Saturday September 28. For tickets visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk or telephone 01745 330000.