Last night I travelled to Manchester to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre as part of the 2026 UK tour, and it delivered exactly what I hoped for. This vibrant musical is packed with energy, colour and feel-good moments, making it one of the most uplifting theatre experiences I have ever witnessed.
If you are looking for a musical that leaves you smiling from beginning to end, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is exactly that. The show is full of iconic music, dazzling costumes and emotional storytelling, making it a perfect night out at the theatre.
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What Is Priscilla Queen of the Desert About?
Set in Australia, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical follows Tick, also known as Mitzi, played by Kevin Clifton. Tick sets out on a journey across the Australian outback with fellow drag performers Bernadette, played by Adele Anderson, and Felicia, played by Nick Hayes.
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The trio travel across Australia in their bus, Priscilla, planning to perform a show at the end. However, Tick has another important reason for the journey. He is travelling to meet his young son Benjy, played by Harper Etienne, for the very first time.
As the group travels through remote towns and challenging environments, they face prejudice and misunderstanding but also moments of kindness and acceptance. The story explores friendship, identity and self-acceptance, all told through humour, music and heartfelt moments.
Travelling Across Australia in Priscilla the Bus
The journey across Australia forms the heart of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Tick, Bernadette and Felicia face many obstacles along the way, from hostile encounters to personal struggles. As the story unfolds, the characters grow stronger together and learn to embrace who they truly are. Their journey is both emotional and entertaining, and audiences quickly become attached to the characters and their stories.
The show balances emotional depth with comedy, creating a musical that is both meaningful and hugely entertaining.
Cast and Performances in Priscilla Queen of the Desert
The cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert delivers outstanding performances throughout the show. Kevin Clifton brings warmth and depth to the role of Tick, while Adele Anderson is elegant and moving as Bernadette. Nick Hayes provides fantastic energy and humour as Felicia.
The ensemble deserves special mention. The chorus performances were some of the strongest I have seen in a touring production. The vocals were powerful and polished, often feeling closer to a live concert than a traditional musical. The energy from the stage was infectious and created a truly memorable theatre experience.
Costumes, Music and Set Design
The set design is simple but effective, with the famous bus Priscilla acting as the main focal point throughout the production. This allows the spectacular costumes and makeup to take centre stage. The outfits are bold, imaginative and beautifully designed, adding even more colour and excitement to the performance. The costume changes alone are worth seeing the show for.
Fans of musical theatre will appreciate the attention to detail in every visual element of the production. The music is packed with well-known songs that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The combination of popular hits and strong vocals creates a lively atmosphere that perfectly suits the story.
Is Priscilla Queen of the Desert Worth Seeing?
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is far more than just a colourful musical. It combines humour, emotion, unforgettable music and characters that audiences quickly fall in love with. The show delivers laughter, touching moments and important themes about acceptance and identity. It is a celebration of individuality and friendship that appeals to a wide audience.
The performance ended with a long-standing ovation, with many people on their feet and dancing along. The audience clearly did not want the evening to end. This joyful musical continues to prove why it remains one of the most popular touring productions in the UK.
Where Can You See Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is showing at the Palace Theatre until the 28th February with tickets from £15 and then at….
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 2 Mar – Sat 7 Mar 2026
- Liverpool Empire, Mon 9 Mar – Sat 14 Mar 2026
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 14 Apr – Sat 18 Apr 2026
- Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Mon 4 May – Sat 9 May 2026
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Mon 11 May – Sat 16 May 2026
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Tue 16 Jun – Sat 20 Jun 2026
Please note, I was gifted the tickets, but a review was optional. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre.
