Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical

The Australian road movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, starring Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving, was an unexpected worldwide hit when it burst onto screens in 1994. After its explosive midnight screening at the Cannes Film Festival it became an instant success, immediately breaking out into the mainstream and winning numerous awards, including an Oscar® for Costume Design.

The spectacular stage musical, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical made its world premiere in Sydney in October 2006. It ran for 11 months before transferring to Melbourne where it garnered rave reviews and an even stronger box office throughout its seven-month-season. The next step in Priscilla’s dazzling journey is New Zealand, before a West End production in partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company.

Priscilla has already been seen by close to one million people and grossed in excess of $80 million to become the most successful Australian musical of all time. A Priscilla double CD of original artist recordings was awarded Gold album status in July 2007 and due to popular demand an original cast CD was released in September 2007.

“Laugh aloud funny.” The Australian
“Vivid, daring and over the top.” Herald Sun
“Best show since Mamma Mia!” Sunday Express, London
“(Priscilla) outshines the Southern Cross.” New York Post
“Priscilla is a world-class musical spectacular.” The Age
“Joy leaps from the stage at every opportunity.” The Sunday Age
“(Priscilla) has guts, good humour and wears its heart on its sparkling sleeve.” The Sydney Morning Herald

Priscilla tells the funny and moving story of three fish out of water who head across Australia, from Sydney to the outback to perform their show. Mitzi, Felicia and Bernadette make their own personal journeys of discovery as they cross the country in a battered old bus nicknamed Priscilla.

Jeremy Stanford sports the famous orange and pink “thong dress” (and many others) to play Tick (Mitzi). Jeremy is best known for his portrayal of ‘Buddy’ in The Buddy Holly Story – a role that launched him from the more traditional theatre stage to that of musicals. His impressive performance in the show was recognised with a nomination for Performance of the Year at the Mo Awards. He has extensive experience in theatre and television, with roles on programmes such as Neighbours, Blue Heelers and A Country Practice. His talents also include script writing and directing and he holds a Bachelor of Education.

Bill Hunter, who played Bob in the original movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert, will return to the stage for the New Zealand season (‘Bob’ was formerly played by Michael Caton in the Australian production). With an acting career spanning more than 40 years, Bill has won many awards including numerous Australian Film Institute Awards, Australian Movie Star of the Year (1994), Best Support Actor (1994) and most recently was honoured as one of Variety Australia’s 100 Entertainers of the Century. Showing incredible versatility, he featured as the ‘voice of the dentist’ in the hugely successful animated film Finding Nemo, in Muriel’s Wedding and in Strictly Ballroom.

Leading actor, director and writer Tony Sheldon plays the role of Bernadette. A third generation show business veteran, Tony made his professional television debut at the age of seven on Melbourne Tonight and has been wowing audiences ever since. His recent portrayal of the demented roger De Bris in The Producers won him many awards including a Helpmann and the Mo Award.

Daniel Scott, who plays Adam (Felicia), was introduced to the world of theatre at an early age. At just 14, he was already an accomplished pianist with ten years experience and performances in numerous musical productions. He studied performing arts and went on to gain remarkable credits in theatre, with extensive tours of Asia and Europe for his role as the sexy-glam-rocker Rum Tum Tugger in Cats.

The role of Benjamin (Tick’s son) will be cast locally with Director, Simon Phillips looking to cast four New Zealand boys between ages 6-8 to play the role.

Priscilla features 25 full-scale production numbers and a sensational song list with classic disco hits including: Don’t Leave Me This Way, I Will Survive, Finally, I Love The Nightlife, Colour My World and Shake Your Groove Thing. With over 500 spectacular costumes, 200 extraordinary headdresses, 23 tonnes of scenery, and a 10 metre long customised bus weighing six tonnes as its sparkling centrepiece, Priscilla is a must see spectacular!

Show schedule:

Tuesdays - one show at 7.30pm
Wednesdays - one show at 7.30pm
Thursdays - one show at 7.30pm
Fridays - one show at 7.30pm
Saturday - shows 1.00pm and 7.30pm
Sunday - shows at 1.00pm and 7.30pm

A service fee applies on all tickets.