Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of photographing the Anstruther & District Amateur Musical Society’s (ADAMS) latest production: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, performed at The Bowhouse venue.
From the moment I walked in, it was clear this was no small-scale show. The production team had transformed the space into a vibrant, immersive theatre. The orchestra stretched out along the far left, the stage commanded most of the back wall, and on the far right – hidden behind a curtain – sat the spectacular centrepiece of the set: a giant bus that would later steal the show. The audience filled the remaining space, perfectly positioned to be swept up in the energy of the performance.
High Energy and Huge Entertainment Value
ADAMS have built a strong reputation in recent years for staging productions that are both energetic and entertaining, and Priscilla was no exception. The show was alive with colour, music, and movement from start to finish. The dancing was electric, the costumes dazzling, and by the finale the entire audience was clapping, singing, and even dancing along – a true testament to the cast and crew’s hard work.
The Photographer’s Challenge
As a photographer, this was one of those shoots that demanded both technical precision and creative instinct. The sheer width of the stage meant I was constantly on the move – stepping forward, back, and side to side – to capture the scale of the performance while still telling the story through my images. Each scene offered something new: from intimate character moments to the big set-piece reveals.
The giant bus, in particular, was a real highlight. Having been there for the production photos, I knew exactly when the curtain would drop during the Wednesday recording session. That insight made all the difference – allowing me to anticipate the action, zoom in at the right moments, and capture the drama as it unfolded.
The Right Tools for the Job
For this shoot, I relied on my Canon R5, and I continue to be blown away by its low-light capabilities. Theatre photography often pushes cameras to their limits, but the R5 handled the challenging lighting beautifully, helping me freeze moments of fast-paced action without losing detail or atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
Working with Anstruther & District Amateur Musical Society on this production has been a fantastic experience. Their shows are always packed with passion, colour, and energy – a dream for any photographer – and I can’t wait to collaborate with them again in the future.
If you’d like to see more of my event and production photography, feel free to explore my portfolio or get in touch to discuss your own project.
