There are certain shows that promise pure escapism from the moment you book your ticket. Priscilla: Queen of the Desert The Musical is absolutely one of them. Arriving at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in a whirl of sequins, disco anthems, and sky-high heels, this production delivers bold visuals, big personalities, and a whole lot of heart.
I’ll admit, I hadn’t seen the film or any previous productions of this iconic show, so I genuinely didn’t know what to expect going in. But from the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this would be a glitter-filled celebration of friendship, identity, and acceptance wrapped up in sparkle and set to some of the most recognisable pop songs ever written.
Nick Hayes was, without question, my personal highlight of the evening. Felicia is unapologetically camp, razor-sharp with her comedic timing, and an incredibly strong dancer. Every line lands, every movement feels deliberate, and Hayes brings a fearless energy to the stage that lifts every scene Felicia (or Adam) is in.
The constant bickering between Felicia and Bernadette provides some of the show’s funniest moments, packed with witty one-liners and quick-fire exchanges that the audience clearly relished.
Kevin Clifton as Mitzi/Tick
Although I would have loved to see even more of his dancing talents showcased throughout the show, Kevin Clifton brings warmth and vulnerability to Mitzi. Beneath the wigs and glamour, his character’s longing to reconnect with his son gives the story genuine emotional weight. It’s easy to sympathise with his journey, and Clifton balances that sensitivity with assured stage presence throughout.
A particularly lovely moment comes towards the end during the Elvis scene between Tick and his son, Benji. Harper Etienne is fantastically adorable in the role, and the scene feels genuinely wholesome – a reminder of the heart beneath all the glitter.
Adele Anderson as Bernadette
Adele Anderson’s Bernadette offers a more measured, refined presence within the trio. As the older icon who favours a more traditional drag style in contrast to Felicia’s bold, modern approach, Bernadette brings poise and class to the group dynamic.
Her exchanges with Felicia are particularly enjoyable, with sharp one-liners and perfectly timed wit landing well with the audience. While there were moments where I found myself wanting just a touch more theatrical flair in certain musical or choreographed sections, Bernadette’s strength lies in her composure, delivery, and dry humour.
Anderson brings elegance and experience to the role, and her comedic timing ensures Bernadette’s presence is consistently felt – sophisticated, self-assured, and quietly commanding.
The Divas and Ensemble
The three Divas are vocally fantastic, delivering strong harmonies and commanding stage presence throughout. They elevate many of the musical numbers, adding polish and power to the production while glittering in their stunning costumes.
The ensemble deserves huge credit, too. The choreography is energetic and slick, and they fully commit to the flamboyant, camp aesthetic of the show. In many ways, they drive the spectacle, filling the stage with movement, colour, and personality.
And speaking of spectacle, the costumes are truly showstopping. Bold, bright, and unapologetically over-the-top, they’re exactly what you want from Priscilla. The iconic ‘Priscilla’ bus is also brilliantly used, particularly during the ‘painting it pink’ scene, which lands as one of the evening’s funnest visual moments.
Final thoughts
At its core, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert is a show filled with heart and hope. There are moments that genuinely pull at the heartstrings, highlighting the adversity drag artists have faced, and continue to face, while never losing sight of the celebration of individuality, friendship, and fabulousness that defines the story.
There’s no denying its iconic status, and it’s easy to see why. The UK tour is packed with disco anthems, sharp humour, and strong performances – particularly from Nick Hayes, who steals more than a few scenes with effortless charisma.
There were moments, however, when the production felt on the verge of something even bigger. The Kylie-inspired sequence and the final on-stage ‘show’ moment, which was the culmination of the trio’s journey, had the potential to lean further into full-scale theatrical extravagance. With just a little more spectacle and showbiz flair, those scenes could have soared into true showstopping territory.
That said, Priscilla remains a glitter-filled, feel-good night out at the Palace Theatre – bursting with energy, nostalgia, and plenty of sparkle.
Book tickets for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert The Musical at Manchester’s Palace Theatre for its limited run. Expect sequins, sass, and a soundtrack you’ll be singing all the way home.
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
