Home Culture Review – Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical

Review – Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical

Gemma Logan

17th June 2026

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30 years after first winning audiences over, Priscilla Queen of the Desert proves it’s still got plenty of sparkle left in its platform boots. Arriving in Brighton as part of its anniversary tour, this vibrant musical serves up a winning combination of outrageous comedy, heartfelt storytelling and wall to wall disco favourites that have the audience grinning from start to finish.

Based on the beloved film, the story follows drag performer Tick, better known as Mitzi, who persuades fellow entertainers Bernadette and Felicia to join him on a cross country adventure through the Australian Outback. Their destination is Alice Springs, where a performance opportunity awaits, but the journey itself becomes the real story. Along the way, friendships are tested, prejudices are confronted and each character discovers something important about themselves.

What makes Priscilla work so well is that beneath the feathers, sequins and glitter, there’s genuine heart. It’s packed with laugh out loud moments, but it also explores themes of identity, acceptance, family and friendship in a way that never feels forced. The emotional moments land just as effectively as the comedy, giving the show far more depth than its glamorous exterior might suggest.

Kevin Clifton leads the cast as Tick and delivers a performance that’s both engaging and sincere. He captures the character’s uncertainty and vulnerability while also bringing plenty of charm to the role. His relationship with his young son forms some of the show’s most touching moments, and Clifton handles these scenes beautifully. His dancing is, unsurprisingly, exceptional, but it’s his emotional connection to the character that really stands out.

Nick Hayes is an absolute force as Felicia. Full of confidence, cheek and mischief, he lights up the stage every time he appears. Hayes has superb comic timing and keeps the audience laughing throughout, but he also reveals the character’s more sensitive side when it matters most. It’s a performance overflowing with personality and one that leaves a lasting impression.

At this performance, Bernadette is played by understudy Dakota Starr, who steps into the role with remarkable confidence. Bernadette is often the emotional anchor of the show and Starr captures her elegance, resilience and vulnerability wonderfully. Her scenes are filled with warmth and authenticity, and the chemistry between the three leads feels completely natural.

The musical numbers arrive thick and fast, with one classic hit following another. From It’s Raining Men and Hot Stuff to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and I Will Survive, the soundtrack keeps the energy high throughout the evening. The audience clearly loves every minute of it, with many unable to resist singing along quietly from their seats.

The ensemble deserves enormous praise. Their enthusiasm never wavers and they bring incredible energy to every scene. Matt Cole’s choreography is a real highlight, combining precision, humour and spectacle to create production numbers that are impossible not to enjoy.

Visually, the show is stunning. Vicky Gill’s costumes are wonderfully extravagant and often jaw dropping in their creativity. Every scene seems to bring another spectacular outfit, adding to the sense of fun and theatricality that runs throughout the production. Under Ian Talbot’s direction, the show moves at exactly the right pace, balancing the larger moments with the quieter scenes that give the story its emotional impact.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert remains a celebration of individuality, friendship and being unapologetically yourself. It’s funny, uplifting and packed with fantastic performances, unforgettable music and dazzling visuals. By the time the finale arrives, the entire theatre feels united in celebration, making it a thoroughly entertaining night out.

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