Glittering, joyous, and unapologetically bold, Priscilla Queen of the Desert bursts onto the stage as a dazzling celebration of identity, friendship, and resilience. Directed by Ian Talbot.
Based on the 1994 Australian film of a similar name, this stage musical transforms the road-trip story into a vibrant theatrical spectacle packed with iconic disco hits, stunning choreography (Matt Cole) and exuberant costumes (Vicky Gill). A show absolutely NOT to be missed!
The story follows three friends Tick (Mitzi) played by Kevin Clifton, Adam/Felicia (Nick Hayes), and Bernadette (Adele Anderson)—as they travel across the Australian outback in a battered old school bus named ‘Priscilla’. Along the way, they encounter both hostility and kindness, forcing them to confront prejudice, personal insecurities and friendship.
The staging (Andrew Exeter) is cleverly designed to project, using clever lighting and media (Leo Flint), the scenes and landscapes as the trio make their way on the journey. An outstanding and strong supporting cast also seamlessly move the staging and props around to create the settings and stagings. The lighting (Andrew Exeter) in this show really go all out to help make this an absolute show stopping performance. Along with the cleverly designed bus names Priscilla which the audience can be immersed on from both the exterior and interior, it also separates to create larger scenes and doubles it’s roof to create viewpoints.
What makes the musical shine is its infectious soundtrack (Richard Atkinson). Rather than original songs, the show cleverly strings together a parade of disco and pop classics—from “It’s Raining Men” and “I Will Survive” to “Finally” and “Go West.” These numbers aren’t just nostalgic crowd-pleasers; they keep the momentum of the story going as they capture the spirit of the moment. The audience quickly finds themselves clapping, laughing, and dancing along.
Visually, the production is nothing short of spectacular. The costumes, hair and makeup (Vicky Gill and Craig Forrest-Thomas) —famously extravagant—are a highlight of the show, sparkle, pizazz and glamour by the bucket loads. This show features towering headdresses, and imaginative designs that range from sultry to gloriously absurd. Whether its performers dressed as giant paintbrushes or shimmering divas emerging from the bus itself, each scene feels like a living fashion parade. The choreography (Matt Cole) blends perfectly with the costumes, it’s diverse, exciting and perfectly timed with beautiful staging and use of props and set.
The emotional backbone of the show, however, lies with its characters. Bernadette (Adele Anderson) often provides the most grounded and poignant moments, delivering dry wit alongside reflections on aging and acceptance. Anderson gives superb timing and a razor sharp tongue, plus, a performance diverse enough to show the hard, fierce and comeback queen as well as a softer more wise and motherly side. Tick’s (Kevin Clifton) storyline adds emotional depth as he grapples with fatherhood and self-identity, Clifton wowed the audience with his amazing singing voice and showed excellent versatility and depth in his character from drag to friend to husband to dad. Felicia (Nick Hayes) injects youthful mischief and rebellious energy, again, a beautiful voice matched with killer moves and gloriously camp, what’s not to love?
The musical also balances its flamboyance with quieter moments that acknowledge the discrimination, the unspoken words and the characters bonds. Yet the show ultimately leans into optimism, celebrating chosen family and the power of self-expression.
After this show, I can guarantee you will leave with a smile and a renewed appreciation for the transformative magic of drag. I’ve never seen such a quick and encompassing standing ovation. Usually, this happens in dribs and drabs, not for this show! Everyone was up on their feet, and it was absolutely thoroughly deserved. Priscilla is courageously camp, humbly heartfelt, and irresistibly fun. A show that proves that sometimes the best way to confront the world’s hardships is with a pair of high heels, a bus full of friends, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert continues until 14 March, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-the-musical/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Steph Wiswall
Reviewed: 9th March 2026
North West End UK Rating: