Theatre Royal Brighton – 16th – 20th June 2026
Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical arrives in Brighton in a shower of sequins, disco classics and outrageous costumes, but beneath all the sparkle is a story packed with heart.
Based on the much loved Oscar winning film, this new 30th anniversary tour production takes audiences on a journey across the Australian Outback with three very different friends searching for acceptance, connection and a place where they can truly be themselves. It is funny, moving, wonderfully bold and absolutely overflowing with feel good energy. From the moment the curtain rises, this production grabs hold of the audience and never lets go.
The story follows Tick, better known as Mitzi, who persuades fellow performers Bernadette and Felicia to join him on a trip to Alice Springs for a cabaret performance. Travelling aboard their battered bus Priscilla, the trio encounter colourful characters, difficult challenges and moments that test both their friendships and their resilience.
While the show delivers plenty of laughs and outrageous comedy, it never loses sight of the deeper themes running through its heart. Questions of identity, family, friendship and acceptance are woven naturally throughout the story, giving genuine emotional weight to the spectacle.
Leading the cast is Kevin Clifton as Tick and he delivers a performance full of warmth, charm and sincerity. Many people will know him from Strictly Come Dancing, but he continues to prove himself as a strong musical theatre performer. He brings real emotional depth to Tick, particularly during the more personal moments involving his relationship with his son. His vocals are confident and expressive, while his natural stage presence makes him an instantly likeable central figure. Of course, when the choreography kicks in, Clifton also reminds everyone exactly why he became such a household name in the first place. Just wow.
Nick Hayes is simply sensational as Felicia. Bursting onto the stage with confidence, attitude and razor sharp comic timing, he quickly becomes one of the evening’s biggest scene stealers. Felicia is loud, fearless and often hilariously inappropriate, but Hayes makes sure there is vulnerability beneath the bravado. His performance is packed with charisma and his connection with the audience is immediate. Whether delivering cutting one liners or throwing himself into the show’s biggest musical numbers, he is impossible to take your eyes off.
On this particular performance, Bernadette is played by understudy Dakota Starr rather than Fascinating Aida star Adele Anderson, and what a performance it is. Taking on such an important role could be daunting, but Starr steps into Bernadette’s heels with confidence and elegance. There is a wonderful balance of strength and vulnerability in the portrayal, capturing both Bernadette’s sharp wit and the sadness she sometimes carries beneath the surface. Starr’s performance feels completely assured and brings plenty of emotional authenticity to the character. The chemistry between the three leads is excellent, making their friendship feel believable and genuinely touching.
Together, Clifton, Hayes and Starr create a trio that audiences quickly become invested in. Their banter feels natural, their disagreements have real bite and their moments of support and affection land beautifully. The success of Priscilla has always relied on the strength of these relationships and this production gets that absolutely right.
Of course, Priscilla would not be Priscilla without its incredible soundtrack. Packed with iconic disco and dance hits from the 1980s, 1990s and beyond, the show becomes one giant celebration of music. Songs including Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally and I Will Survive arrive one after another, creating a near constant party atmosphere. The audience response says everything. Feet tap, shoulders sway and smiles spread across faces throughout the theatre.
A huge amount of credit must go to the sensational trio of Divas who provide many of the powerhouse vocals throughout the evening. Their voices soar effortlessly through every number, adding another layer of glamour and excitement to an already dazzling production. They sound absolutely fantastic and become an essential part of the storytelling.
The choreography from Matt Cole is outstanding. Every musical number feels carefully crafted and packed with personality. There is a tremendous sense of scale throughout the production, with routines that fill the stage and maintain a relentless sense of momentum. The ensemble cast throw themselves into every dance sequence with remarkable commitment and precision. Their energy never dips for a second and their enthusiasm is infectious.
Speaking of the ensemble, they are absolutely phenomenal. Whether appearing as dancers, supporting characters or part of the show’s countless costume transformations, they bring colour, humour and excitement to every scene. There is so much talent spread across this company that the stage constantly feels alive. The ensemble help create the show’s larger than life world while ensuring every scene remains visually engaging.
Visually, the production is a feast. Vicky Gill’s costumes are spectacular, delivering exactly the kind of outrageous glamour audiences hope for. Every new costume reveal seems bigger, brighter and more extravagant than the last. Feathers, sequins, glitter and endless imagination combine to create some truly unforgettable looks. The costume department deserves a standing ovation all by itself.
Director Ian Talbot keeps everything moving at an impressive pace while still allowing the emotional moments room to breathe. It would be easy for a production like this to focus entirely on spectacle, but Talbot ensures the story remains front and centre. The balance between comedy, emotion and musical extravaganza feels spot on.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is an absolute joy. It delivers laughter, heart, unforgettable music and breathtaking visuals in equal measure. More importantly, it celebrates individuality, friendship and self acceptance with warmth and sincerity. Whether you are discovering Priscilla for the first time or returning to a favourite, this 30th anniversary production proves exactly why audiences continue to fall in love with it. By the time the final curtain falls, the theatre feels like one giant celebration, and you leave with a smile that refuses to disappear.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert Musical review – 5 stars
Image credits – Johan Persson
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