As part of our A Level Sociology course with Mr Shearer, we recently went to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Newcastle Theatre Royal. This was linked to our studies of culture and diversity as it looked at people's reactions towards drag queens and addressed the issue of stereotypes.

The play tells the story of three friends; Mitzi and Felicia, who are drag queens, and Bernadette who is transsexual. They travel from Sydney to Alice Springs in a bus, featured throughout the play, which they name Priscilla Queen of the Desert, to perform in a casino. Along the way they meet some very interesting characters.

The show was full of surprises; for example, Mitzi has a six year old son and was married, which highlighted the dangers of making assumptions and judgements based on a person's "outward' character, lifestyle and appearance.

It was a fantastic night; the show delivered an important message alongside a fabulous range of songs that made you want to dance in your seat and enough glitter to blind you. Jason Donovan, who played Mitzi, gave a spectacular performance alongside Graham Weaver (Felicia) and Richard Grieve (Bernadette) with their outrageous costumes and daring script. I would recommend going to see this play as it will certainly change the way you view people.

Written by Year 12 student, Paige C.