Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 2 May 2026
Reviewed by Amy Coulson
4****
Fun down under…
There’s a particular kind of theatrical joy that comes from a show that knows exactly what it is, leans into it unapologetically, and invites the audience along for the ride. Priscilla Queen of the Desert does precisely that. This latest touring production delivers a vibrant, feel- good energy, heart, and above all, a soundtrack that refuses to let you keep quiet.
Admittedly, I have not seen The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which opened in cinemas 25 years ago. The quirky, low budget celebration of drag, camp and friendship was an instant hit. Hugo Weaving, Terance Stamp and Guy Pearce starred in the 1994 film, alongside Priscilla, the not so trusty tour bus, of course!
From the opening moments, the music takes centre stage. Built around a string of iconic disco anthems like Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing, the show thrives on hits. The singing across the cast is genuinely impressive, with powerhouse vocals that do justice to some of the most beloved tracks in pop history – Go West, Spinning Around, It’s Raining Men, What’s Love Got To Do With It? It’s the kind of score that turns a mid-week evening into something celebratory, especially if you’ve come straight from a long day at the office – special mention to Musical Director Richard Atkison.
At the heart of the show are its central characters, whose journey across Australia provides both comedy and emotional grounding. Through Tick/ Mitzi (Kevin Clifton, best known as a professional dancer on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing), Bernadette (Adele Anderson, who in Company Business, serenaded Gene Hackman and- for the Sex and the City fans- Mikhail Baryshnikov) and Felicia (Nick Hayes, most recently performed as Ralph in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic) the show’s themes – identity, acceptance and chosen family are woven in lightly but effectively, never overshadowing the fun but adding depth. The relationships between them feel warm, balancing the camp extravagance with moments of sincerity. A special mention to the big energy and bold flamboyance from Nick Hayes as Felicia – a standout character and beautifully performed, and Kevin Clifton who sang absolutely beautifully. It was great to see actor, presenter, filmmaker, and 80’s iconic Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan playing a rather sweet love interest.
Visually the production may not be the most elaborate staging seen at the concert hall. The set design is more restrained than you might expect from a show with such a reputation for spectacle. However, this turns out not to be a drawback so much as a different emphasis. The relatively simple set allows the characters – and those dazzling costumes- to take focus. There’s still plenty of sparkle and theatrical flair, and the overall aesthetic remains joyfully camp.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert delivers pure escapism and I’m here for it! It’s a sing along, high energy experience that leaves you smiling long after the curtain call. I enjoyed its heart, humour, and sensational soundtrack.