Priscilla Queen of the Desert dazzles Southampton with 30th-anniversary tour
The glittering musical revival of Priscilla Queen of the Desert has landed at Mayflower Theatre, offering a nostalgic yet reinvigorated spectacle. Kevin Clifton leads the cast in a heartfelt and hilarious reinvention of the iconic 1994 film.
The stage at Mayflower Theatre erupted in applause last night as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the dazzling musical adaptation of the 1994 cult film, premiered its 30th-anniversary tour with a performance that left audiences spellbound. The production, which runs until March 21, blends razor-sharp humor with raw emotional depth, chronicling the journey of three drag queens crossing the Australian Outback aboard a bedazzled bus.
At the heart of the revival is Kevin Clifton, best known for his Strictly Come Dancing fame, who steps into the role of Tick, the disillusioned drag queen seeking reconciliation with his estranged son. Clifton’s transformation from polished performer to vulnerable storyteller has drawn early praise, with critics noting his surprisingly powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. His rendition of I Will Survive, delivered with palpable emotion, drew a standing ovation on opening night.
Key Points
- ✅ Clifton’s first major musical theatre role outside of dance-heavy productions
- ⚡ Production tackles homophobia and transphobia through its narrative
- 💡 Costume changes occur every 90 seconds during key musical numbers
Nick Adams, a veteran of stage and screen, takes on the role of Felicia, the quick-witted and irreverent drag queen whose biting one-liners keep the audience in stitches. Adams’ chemistry with Clifton and Adèle Anderson, who plays the seasoned Bernadette, forms the emotional backbone of the show. Anderson, a cabaret veteran, brings a rare blend of sophistication and warmth, grounding the production’s more outrageous moments with quiet dignity.
| Role | Actor | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Tick | Kevin Clifton | Vocal powerhouse with dance pedigree |
| Felicia | Nick Adams | Sharp wit and physical comedy |
| Bernadette | Adèle Anderson | Commanding stage presence and gravitas |
| Bob | Peter Duncan | Steadying, understated performance |
The production’s design team has spared no expense in recreating the film’s iconic visuals, from the bedazzled bus to the kaleidoscope of costumes that shift with dizzying speed. While some scenes—particularly the operatic sequence atop the bus—fall short of the cinematic original, the sheer energy of the performances compensates. The musical numbers, including a thunderous rendition of Hot Stuff and a tender reprise of True Colors, underscore the show’s ability to balance camp humor with genuine pathos.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive early to catch the pre-show costume montage in the lobby—a sneak peek of the extravagant transformations awaiting on stage.
Yet it is the show’s unapologetic celebration of queer identity and resilience that resonates most deeply. In an era where LGBTQ+ rights face renewed scrutiny, Priscilla Queen of the Desert doesn’t just entertain—it challenges. Scenes depicting overt discrimination are met with gasps from the audience, then quickly undercut by the infectious joy of the characters’ camaraderie. The message is clear: despite the hardships, survival and self-expression are worth every sequin.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 — Costume changes in the opening number alone
- 37 — Years since the original film’s release when it premiered in 1994
- 8 — Minutes of uninterrupted applause at the curtain call on opening night
The show’s director, known for reviving classic musicals with a modern edge, has avoided the trap of nostalgia. Instead, the production feels alive, with each performance tailored to its audience. Peter Duncan, stepping into the role of Bob, the gruff but kind-hearted outback mechanic, offers a masterclass in understated acting. His scenes with the trio provide the emotional anchor, a reminder that even in the most extravagant stories, humanity is the true star.
- March 1 — Opening night at Mayflower Theatre
- March 21 — Final scheduled performance
- April 15 — Next leg of the tour begins in Manchester
By the time the curtain falls on Priscilla Queen of the Desert, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of its legacy. The production doesn’t just pay homage to the original film; it redefines it, proving that after three decades, the story of Tick, Bernadette, and Felicia still sparkles with the same unbridled joy and defiance that made it a cultural touchstone in the first place.