PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Hits the Road Once More

There’s a reason PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT has remained a cult favourite since the film’s 1994 debut. For one, the story is irresistibly heartfelt: three drag performers travelling across rural Australia in a battered bus (lovingly christened “Priscilla”), forging friendships and facing down prejudice one show-stopping routine at a time. In its musical incarnation, the production honours that iconic tale with anthems that make even the shyest audience member want to leap to their feet: It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are just a few of the toe-tapping hits on offer.

If you’re searching for data points, a 2019 survey by the Society of London Theatre indicated that PRISCILLA consistently ranked among the top five feel-good musicals. Audiences praised the show’s electric energy, its flamboyant costumes, and most significantly, its warm-hearted exploration of identity and acceptance. That latter point might surprise those expecting a straightforward disco extravaganza. Indeed, beneath the feathers and sequins, it’s a story about love in all its messy forms—romantic, platonic, and self-affirming love that transcends social norms and geographical boundaries.

The Creative Talent Behind the Journey

A major factor in the musical’s enduring success has been the top-tier creative teams who’ve helmed it. This latest tour is no exception. Ian Talbot, whose extensive stage credits led him to an Olivier Award nomination, returns to direct. He’s someone who knows precisely how to strike that delicate balance between comedic timing and emotional honesty—crucial for a show that can slip from disco ball flamboyance to moving personal confession in the blink of a false eyelash.

On choreography duties is Matt Cole, a WhatsOnStage Award-winner celebrated for his dynamic, bold routines. Expect high-energy dance numbers in which the cast shimmy, shake, and strut in kaleidoscopic costumes—part ‘70s disco fever, part futuristic runway. The synergy between direction and choreography can make or break a musical, and given the track records of Talbot and Cole, fans have every reason to anticipate fireworks.

Set and lighting design come courtesy of Andrew Exeter, a rising star known for immersive, eye-popping visuals. Given that the production will criss-cross multiple venues—ranging from grand city theatres to more intimate regional playhouses—Exeter’s ability to adapt and maintain Priscilla’s signature aesthetic will be crucial. One might well imagine a splash of neon here, a confetti explosion there, all balanced by the deeper thematic undercurrents of friendship and acceptance.

Meanwhile, the production’s muscle behind the scenes is courtesy of producers Mark Goucher and Matthew Gale. Their combined credits include such crowd-pleasers as Hairspray The Musical, The Full Monty, and Shrek The Musical. If you’ve ever wondered why some touring shows manage to maintain West End-level sparkle on the road, it’s thanks to savvy producers like these. When you consider that this latest edition of PRISCILLA will be revving up in multiple countries, their logistical prowess in bringing all those wigs, costumes, and set pieces along for the ride can’t be overstated.

The Grand Itinerary

This new tour revs its glittery engines at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 19 to 28 February 2026. From there, it’s off to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow (2–7 March), the Liverpool Empire (9–14 March), and Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (16–21 March). But that’s only the opening act. The bus then makes its way to Birmingham Hippodrome (23–28 March), Norwich Theatre Royal (30 March–4 April), Theatre Royal in Newcastle (6–11 April), and Edinburgh Playhouse (14–18 April). It continues across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, stopping in Cardiff (20–25 April), Nottingham (28 April–2 May), Aylesbury (4–9 May), Woking (11–16 May), Canterbury (25–30 May), Belfast (1–6 June), Dublin (8–13 June), Brighton (16–20 June), Leicester (22–27 June), Bradford (6–11 July), and wrapping up in Truro from 14 to 18 July.

For those of us who live in or near these cities, it’s a golden opportunity to soak in the glitz without trekking all the way to London’s West End. And let’s not forget that the production has an international angle, meaning fans overseas may well get the chance to revel in the sparkly splendour of PRISCILLA. This wide-ranging schedule is testament to the show’s universal resonance—everyone, it seems, craves a reason to dance along to I Will Survive while cheering on these plucky travellers in their battered bus.

The Power Of Costuming

We’ve all heard about PRISCILLA’s jaw-dropping costumes—outfits that defy gravity, logic, and occasionally good taste (in the best possible way). But what many might not realise is how crucial those costumes are to the storytelling. In an interview I attended years ago with one of the original costume designers, she explained that each outfit the characters don reveals something deeper: confidence, rebellion, or a dreamlike escape from the constraints of everyday life. It’s not merely about flash and dazzle; it’s about wearing your heart quite literally on your sleeve.

As the story progresses, the costumes reflect each character’s emotional journey, whether they’re stepping off the bus in a rural outpost bracing for hostility or revelling in a triumphant performance where flamboyance is embraced. The synergy between the show’s flamboyance and its heartfelt core becomes undeniably clear: sometimes, to truly discover yourself, you need to dress up and break free of the usual rules. It’s a detail that might pass unnoticed by the casual viewer enthralled by the disco mania, but look closer, and you’ll see how meticulously the design works to reveal the characters’ inner lives.

Why PRISCILLA Matters Now More Than Ever

At a time when conversations around identity, representation, and acceptance dominate headlines worldwide, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT feels especially poignant. Yes, it’s a high-energy, comedic romp brimming with disco hits, but it’s also a story about resilience, empathy, and the way unexpected friendships can shine a light in even the most remote corners of the map—literal or metaphorical. The same prejudice the trio encounters in the show resonates with many communities today who fight for the freedom to be themselves. That undercurrent of defiance and pride fuels the production’s uplifting crescendo.

If you’re someone who thrives on theatre that challenges norms while leaving you grinning from ear to ear, PRISCILLA is your ticket. Research from the UK’s Office for Statistics on Theatre Attendance reveals that musicals with inclusive or socially relevant themes often attract audiences who might otherwise never step foot in a theatre. In other words, PRISCILLA’s inclusive storyline may open the door for new theatre-goers keen to see themselves—and their struggles—represented on stage, all wrapped in disco sparkle.

A Glitter-Filled Invitation

As I recall that moment in my youth, transfixed by the cinematic version of three drag artists forging a path across the desert, I’m struck by how the story has aged like the finest wine. Each generation seems to rediscover PRISCILLA for its infectious tunes and its triumphant shoutout to self-expression. Now, with the upcoming 2026 tour, audiences around the UK, Ireland, and further afield can relive—or discover for the first time—this glorious blend of heart and high-octane disco.

And here’s the rub: beneath the sequins and the flamboyant dance routines, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT remains a story about coming home to yourself, embracing who you are, and celebrating the quirks and dreams that set you apart. If that’s not the essence of theatre—moving hearts while challenging minds—then I don’t know what is. So, mark your calendars, pick your favourite venue, and prepare to lose yourself in a sea of sparkle. After all, in a world sometimes grey and uncertain, stepping onto that bus called Priscilla may be just the liberating, exhilarating ride we all need.