The UK tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert burst onto the stage at Wales Millenium Centre last night. With more glitter, heart, and unapologetic flamboyance than the audience could ever have hoped for.
This production embraces the show’s camp roots while grounding it in genuine emotional warmth, creating a night that feels both outrageously fun and surprisingly moving. It’s a reminder of why this musical has remained a beloved staple of modern theatre.
Beneath the sequins and sass lies a story about identity, acceptance, and the families we build along the way. If you have seen the Oscar winning film, then you know the humour is clever and sassy like all good Drag Queen comedy. The journey from Sydney to Alice Springs is long, but never dull, and the characters we meet along the way are like nothing you have witnessed before.
The costumes alone are worth the ticket price. Vibrant headpieces, shimmering gowns, and delightfully absurd creations (everything from cupcakes to paint pots) parade across the stage in a riot of colour. The wardrobe team deserves full credit for delivering a visual feast that never stops surprising the audience. Each number feels like its own mini‑extravaganza, and the quick‑change wizardry happening both behind the scenes and on stage is nothing short of heroic.
But Priscilla is more than a drag‑show‑on-wheels. The heart of the story lies with its trio of central characters (Tick, Bernadette, and Adam) and the casting for this tour is impeccable.
Adèle Anderson delivers sharp and hilarious lines in perfect tone and with epic timing which shows off her skills most likely perfected during her time performing Fascinating Aïda. Kevin Clifton brings a refreshing balance of humour and vulnerability to his role of Tick/Mitzi and all three have voices that make lip syncing a crime for any of them.
Nick Hayes struts on to the stage in all his Strictly Come Dancing glory and instantly you are mesmerised by the strength and tone of every little move he makes as Felicia/Adam. He injects the production with an infectious energy while also revealing the fragility beneath his bravado.
The soundtrack is packed with pure disco classics and pop anthems and every single song is delivered with powerhouse vocals and choreography that fills the stage with joyful chaos. The Divas (Leah Vessel, Bernadette Bangura and Jessie May) provide soaring harmonies that elevate each song. Numbers like “I Will Survive” and “Hot Stuff” ignite the audience, while more tender moments offer a welcome contrast, reminding us that the show’s emotional core is as strong as its comedic flair.
What sets this UK tour apart is a supporting cast that is extremely strong. I know choosing a favourite dancer is like choosing a favourite child, but I have to say, Michael Afemaré was the one for me and I promise I had already made that choice before he bared all! Honestly, the supporting cast are insanely good and elevated this performance even higher than I ever thought possible.
By the time the finale arrived with an explosion of glitter and pure joy—the audience was fully swept up in the celebration. This tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a triumphant reminder of the power of theatre to uplift, entertain, and unite. It’s bold, heartfelt, and utterly irresistible.
Tickets are still available and you can catch it here in Cardiff until the 25th of April.
