Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Review: say g'day to your latest theatre obsession!
- Jack Davey
- 40 minutes ago
- 3 min read
28 April 2026 I 19:30 I Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
From Down Under to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert endures as a celebration of unity and being unapologetically one's self. Having played to over 135 cities worldwide, the West End hit returns as part of an extensive 30th anniversary tour.
Featuring iconic 80s and 90s disco anthems such as It's Raining Men and I Will Survive, it tonally leans towards the 'prosecco hun' culture as most jukebox musicals do. However beyond the sequins there lies a real profundity, that reminds audiences of the era-defining '94 film that brought queer media into the mainstream.
Bernadette, Tick and Felicia, three drag performers from Sydney, travel the Australian Outback in the rickety old bus named 'Priscilla' as they dream of their grand comeback. The central trio are perfectly cast, each complimenting one another in their talents. Kevin Clifton's flawless Aussie accent, beautiful vocal tone and of course, dazzling dance skills allow us to fall in love with Tick in a new light. Nick Hayes' feisty-tongued and sensual Felicia works the stage with instinctive charisma. And Adèle Anderson's Bernadette is an empowering role model as an older transgender woman, navigating love and kneeing bigots between the legs!
When I say the soundtrack is exceptional, I mean every word of it. There are many recognisable floor fillers, you'll be desperate to Shake Your Groove Thing from the comfort of your seat (though please don't for the enjoyment of those around you)! Often led by the vocally sensational Divas (Leah Vassell, Bernadette Bangura, Jessie May), and with band direction by Richard Atkinson, the musical numbers sound even better than the originals.
As the giant disco ball pre-show curtain comes apart, Andrew Exeter's lighting designs fill the venue, immediately luring audiences into the atmosphere of the Cock-A-Two Club. Velvet drapes surround the stage, as the opening set is reminiscent of an intimate, underground drag space. Sario Solomon is hysterical as Miss Understanding, finding humour in tonight's technical difficulties, and Jak Allen-Anderson's hair flips and high kicks as Farrah are entrancing. Priscilla truly feels like a love letter to the nineties drag scene.
It is so easy to become invested in every moment, thanks to Vicky Gill's costuming and Craig Forrest-Thomas' wigs & make-up. A memorable image is during MacArthur Park (Left The Cake Out In The Rain), where the ensemble enter in polka-dot bodysuits, whipped cream hairpieces and parasols... it's camp and we live for it! Polished with Matt Cole's complex choreo, the company are sharp and cohesive, everything is so visually refined from beginning to end.
Now, this is one of those reviews where I get very excited, and try to cram in all of the positives. Which is a challenge through such a well-rounded show. A final mention must go to Hayes and the ensemble, as they handle the Hot Stuff scene with integrity. Homophobia is staged in a challenging watch, but sadly resonant to the targeting of queer people in British politics today.
I think it's safe to say that my heart belongs to Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Audiences of every demographic, even the older gentlemen seemingly dragged along by their wives, join in and boogie with the encore. Recommended for ages 14+, Nottingham viewers (and beyond) have the chance to see musical theatre done exquisitely. I'm sure I'll be returning to see this one many more times in my life.
UK Tour Information & Tickets: https://priscillauktour.com/#dates
