Priscilla Queen of the Desert has rolled back into the Bradford Alhambra as the touring production celebrates its 30th touring anniversary. If you have seen the musical before, which I have many times, be prepared for this new run which keeps the essence of the original production intact in a joyous celebration of unity, love, and being unapologetically yourself.
Priscilla is the tour bus that three Drag Queens have utilised to get them to a concert they are performing at in Alice Springs. Before the journey begins the audience are introduced to the Cock a Too nightclub where the three Queens work under the employment of Miss Understanding portrayed by the brilliant James Wolstenholme who plays the role as part Pantomime Dame and part Draq Queen – however his lines are far more risqué than you will ever hear in a panto!
The other three Queens include Adele Anderson as Bernadette who is better known as one third of the group Fascinating Aida, whilst Kevin Clifton as Tick/Mitzi comes via his fame on Strictly Come Dancing with the Nick Hayes playing the third member of Felicia/Adam. The chemistry between all three of them was infectious and genuine, allowing for some very funny one-liners.
Within the first fifteen minutes the audience were treat to an hilarious Tina Turner impression by Wolstenholme, which was followed by a funeral that included the aptly titled song, Don’t Leave Me This Way. The soundtrack to the musical includes some of the most recognisable gay anthems of the last thirty years from I Will Survive to True Colours with a heavy dose to of Kylie Minogue songs – all delivered in the best possible taste!
If you remember The Weather Girls who had a big hit with It’s Raining Men the show has its own version courtesy of three divas – Leah Vassell, Bernadette Bangura and Jessie May whose vocal prowess matched that of the original group.
The live and led by the musical director Richard Atkinson ensured that the hit songs were delivered in style, never missing a beat and always staying true to the original version.
The plot thickens
The plot thickens as their bus breaks down in the middle of the Australian dessert though helps comes to hand in the form of former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, almost unrecognisable in his role as mechanic Bob. Credit too to Isabella Glanznig Santos who plays Cynthia – Bob’s wife who performs her party tick that includes some amazing things that you might not think was possible with a ping-pong ball!
The second half of the show finds the three main characters discovering themselves as relationships between them all begin to develop set against the backdrop of being stranded in their bus in the middle of Australia.
Lighting and costumes
The lighting throughout was exuberant only matched by the bright and colourful outfits worn by the entire cast, though naturally the Draq Queens had some of the most glittering costumes and wigs – all flamboyant and extremely camp. Designed by BAFTA winner Vicky Gill (Strictly Come Dancing) the costumes were stunning, sensational, and superbly designed.
If you are looking for an escape from the real world for two and a half hours, Priscilla Queen of the Desert will have you in the pink all night with a musical that is never a drag and will bring a smile to your face. Hot Stuff indeed.
Bradford Alhambra – Runs until Saturday 11 July 2026
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