Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Review
Image: Johan Persson
Written by Bella for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Bursting onto the stage in a riot of sequins, sass and disco anthems, Priscilla Queen of the Desert arrives in Nottingham as a glitter-soaked celebration of identity, friendship and self-expression. Currently touring the UK as part of its 30th anniversary run, this larger-than-life musical transforms the stage into the Australian Outback, following three performers on a high-energy, unexpectedly heartfelt journey of self-discovery.
Based on the beloved 1994 film, the musical follows Tick, a Sydney-based drag performer, who agrees to travel across the Australian Outback to headline a show in Alice Springs after a surprising personal request. Joined by the exuberant Adam and the recently widowed Bernadette, the trio set off aboard their battered but beloved bus, Priscilla. What begins as a straightforward road trip quickly unfolds into a journey marked by both comic mishaps and moments of confrontation, as they encounter varying levels of acceptance and hostility in the remote communities they pass through.
Leading the production is former Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton as Tick/Mitzi, who anchors the show with a strong, assured performance. His vocal performance has improved noticeably over the last few years, bringing greater confidence and control to the role.
Adèle Anderson brings a composed, quietly commanding presence to Bernadette, delivering dry wit with precision. There’s a warmth and emotional maturity to her performance that really grounds the production, particularly in its more reflective moments.
In contrast, Nick Hayes leans fully into the flamboyance of Adam/Felicia, injecting the production with chaotic, unapologetic energy. His comic timing is sharp, and he relishes the show’s more outrageous sequences.
Of course, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is perhaps best known for its soundtrack, and this production doesn’tdisappoint. Packed with disco classics including “It’s Raining Men”, “I Will Survive,” and “I Love to Boogie”, the musical thrives on its ability to generate the kind of joy that quickly spills into the audience. The energy rarely dips, and the production makes the most of its jukebox format.
Particular mention must also go to the trio of ‘Divas’, Leah Vassell, Bernadette Bangura and Jessie May, who deliver many of the show’s most iconic songs. Positioned above the action and combined with the ensemble’s energy, they help maintain the show’s infectious pace and sense of celebration throughout.
Each number is delivered with power, accompanied by slick choreography by Matt Cole that keeps the energy consistently high. That said, as with many jukebox musicals, there are moments where the transitions between dialogue and song feel slightly forced, briefly disrupting the flow of the narrative.
With elaborate costumes by Vicky Gill, who is also costume director on Strictly Come Dancing, this production delivers glitz and glamour, with each dazzling outfit more outrageous than the last. From towering headdresses to sequinned bodysuits, the costumes are not just decorative but central to the show’s identity.
Audience reaction remains a key part of the experience. The show’s infectious energy, combined with its iconic soundtrack, creates an atmosphere that is difficult to resist. There is an immediacy to the enjoyment it generates - laughter comes easily and applause even more so.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, fun and unapologetically flamboyant night out, catch Priscilla Queen of the Desert on tour of the UK and Ireland from now until July.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
