What’s On Sydney // The Priscilla’s Experience @ The Imperial Erskineville
Look, it’s no secret that we recommend a LOT here at A Modern Gay’s Guide, but honey, if you’re going to take just one of our recommendations, then you’re going to want to make it this one – trust us.
Longtime Gay’s Guide favourite, The Imperial Hotel Erskineville, in Sydney’s Inner West has returned from their Miss ‘rona inspired hiatus, coming back bigger and more fabulous than ever before. Coming in hot, the team have worked tirelessly over the past two month, putting together ‘The Priscilla’s Experience’, one of the best drag experiences ever to hit Sydney. Yep, it’s a big call, but we’re making it.
The Priscilla’s Experience is the latest ‘Drag ‘n’ Dine’ concept to come out of the Imperial, though this time features one and a half hours of non-stop glitz and glamour, all inspired by the camp history of Australian drag. Show producer Oliver Levi-Malouf – also well known as drag performer Etcetera Etcetera – put the fabulous new show together and says,
“We tried to squeeze the history and magic of Australian drag into one show – and we’re so excited to share that with audiences. We’ve taken everything people love about the Imperial and made it even better – six drag queens on one stage? How good is that!”
Whilst mesmerised by the drag performances that make up the Priscilla’s Experience, you’ll dine on a delicious three course menu in the award-winning Priscilla’s restaurant. Catering for all colours of the rainbow, the Pricilla’s kitchen team have you covered with hearty vegetarian and vegan options, though also a couple of meat dishes, for those who simply can’t skip the meat – it truly is a feast fit for a (drag) queen! Knowing their audience, each ticket also includes a complimentary cocktail on arrival, and let us tell you, it’s flamboyant AF.
In true Gay’s Guide style, we sent in a couple of the Gay’s Guide team to check it all out on opening night, and let us tell you, they were FAR from disappointed. Our team praised the The Priscilla’s Experience as ‘THE best thing to be born out of the COVID lock-downs’ and could confirm that it’s easily the closest thing to a proper night out that we’re going to find in Sydney for a longtime.
For those of you unaware, The Imperial Hotel Erskineville was featured in the smash hit movie ‘The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert’ and is world famous for being a home of drag.
“This is a throwback to the extravagant drag shows Sydney is famous for – we’re talking back to back performances with great staging and beautiful costumes” says Levi-Malouf. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of iso-life!”
Impy regulars will recognise a stack of familiar faces, including Ruby Slippers, Etcetera Etcetera, Peach Fuzz, Dorreen Manganini, Kalin Eade, Dammit Janet, Riot, Farren Heit and many more.
If you’re looking for a fabulously queer night out, you’re going to want to check this out sooner rather than later, as at this point, shows are limited.
THE DETAILS
What: The Priscilla’s Experience @ The Imperial Hotel Erskineville
When: Each Friday + Saturday night (6pm + 8.15pm session times) & Sunday (2pm + 6pm session times)
Where: The Imperial Hotel Erskineville – 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043
Price:Tickets are $100pp – including a ticket to the show, three course dining and a cocktail on arrival.
More info: imperialerskineville.com.au/the-priscillas-experience/
Imagery Supplied. Photographer: Sophie Hill
