Start the Bus: Priscilla Queen of the Desert Brings Disco, Drama and Dazzle to the Stage
Written by Katie Barr
Get ready for glitter, glamour and a bus full of disco anthems. The internationally celebrated musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is hitting the road once again, bringing its vibrant energy, dazzling costumes and heartfelt story to theatres across the UK and Ireland in 2026.
Based on the beloved 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the stage adaptation has become a global favourite, celebrated for its infectious soundtrack and joyful message about identity, friendship and being unapologetically yourself. Now, this colourful theatrical phenomenon is preparing to roll into venues nationwide as part of a major new tour. At the centre of the story are three friends who embark on a journey across the Australian outback in a battered but unforgettable bus – affectionately nicknamed Priscilla. Their mission is simple: travel from the city to a remote resort town to perform a drag show. But along the way, the trio discover that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
The characters – drag performer Tick, flamboyant young Adam and the wise and glamorous Bernadette – encounter a wide range of people as they cross the desert. Some are welcoming, others less so, but every encounter pushes them to confront questions about identity, acceptance and what it truly means to belong. Beneath the show’s glittering surface lies a deeply human story about resilience, friendship and the courage to live authentically. Leading the cast in the role of Tick, also known by his stage persona Mitzi, is Kevin Clifton. Best known to many audiences as a former champion on Strictly Come Dancing, Clifton has built an impressive stage career in recent years, appearing in productions such as Chicago. In Priscilla, he takes on a role that blends comedy, vulnerability and show-stopping performance.
Joining him on the road are Nick Hayes as the exuberant Felicia/Adam and Adèle Anderson as the elegant Bernadette, a role filled with warmth, wit and emotional depth. The cast also features Peter Duncan as Bob, one of the characters the trio meet on their travels. Behind the scenes, the production brings together an accomplished creative team. The show is directed by Ian Talbot, whose extensive theatre career includes numerous acclaimed productions. Choreography comes from Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole, promising energetic dance numbers to match the musical’s lively soundtrack.
One of the production’s most eye-catching elements will undoubtedly be its spectacular costumes. Designed by BAFTA-winning designer Vicky Gill, widely recognised for her work on Strictly Come Dancing, the show will feature more than 100 elaborate outfits packed with sequins, feathers and flamboyant flair. For Gill, the musical offers the perfect opportunity to create designs that celebrate both performance and individuality. Of course, no production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert would be complete without its iconic soundtrack. Packed with beloved pop and disco hits, the show features classics including “I Will Survive”, “It’s Raining Men” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. These songs provide the backdrop to an evening filled with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable moments.
Yet while the music and spectacle are a major part of the appeal, the musical’s enduring success lies in something deeper. At its heart, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a story about acceptance – both of others and of oneself. Through laughter, music and a touch of outrageous glamour, it celebrates diversity while reminding audiences of the power of friendship and self-expression. As the bus rolls across the stage and the disco beats begin to play, audiences can expect an evening packed with laughter, colour and heart. With its blend of dazzling theatrical spectacle and genuine emotional warmth, Priscilla Queen of the Desert promises to be a joyful celebration that leaves theatre-goers dancing all the way home.
Tickets are now available so make sure to grab them before they sell out! Not in Nottingham? Check the tour sites here to see if there is a showing near you.
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