A Cock in a Frock on a Rock… and It’s Camp as Tits!

Right, hand over my Gay Card now because I have a confession to make: I’ve never been the world’s biggest fan of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I know. Gasp. Shock. Horror.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always thought the film was perfectly fine. It’s colourful, it’s funny, it’s iconic in many ways. But for whatever reason, it never completely grabbed me. Maybe I’m more of a Muriel’s Wedding kind of gay.

So when I headed along to Belfast’s Grand Opera House to catch the latest touring production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, I genuinely thought I was turning up to do a bit of work. Well, butter my ass and slide me backwards down a rainbow because I could not have been more wrong. To borrow a phrase from Miranda’s mum: “Such fun!”

From the moment I stepped into the auditorium, the atmosphere was electric. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house, and the audience was as colourful and diverse as the show itself. Young couples, groups of friends, theatre regulars, drag fans, and people who probably couldn’t tell a stiletto from a screwdriver were all gathered together for one thing: a bloody good night out.

The tone was set before the curtain even rose. Dominating the stage was a gigantic disco ball, while a soundtrack of gloriously camp anthems blasted through the speakers. You could feel the excitement bubbling around the theatre. The audience was ready, and thankfully the show delivered.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Priscilla Queen of the Desert follows three drag performers who set off on a life changing road trip across the Australian Outback aboard a battered old bus. What begins as a journey for work quickly becomes something much deeper as each character confronts their past, their fears, and ultimately themselves.

At the centre of the story is Tick, played by the ever charismatic Kevin Clifton. Tick receives an unexpected call from his estranged wife asking him to travel across Australia to meet the son he has never really known. It’s a storyline that gives the show surprising emotional depth beneath all the sequins and sass.

Joining him on the journey is the gloriously outrageous Felicia, played with infectious energy by Nick Hayes. Felicia is the kind of character who never enters a room quietly. Bold, unapologetic, and hilariously mischievous, Hayes steals more than a few scenes and keeps the audience laughing throughout.

Completing the trio is Bernadette, portrayed beautifully by Adele Anderson. Following the recent loss of her younger partner, Bernadette carries much of the show’s emotional weight. Anderson brings warmth, dignity, wit, and vulnerability to the role, creating a character who feels wonderfully authentic amidst the larger than life spectacle.

The group’s journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Bob, played by television favourite Peter Duncan. Yes, that Peter Duncan. Blue Peter badge holders may need a moment. Bob becomes an unlikely companion on their adventure and Duncan brings a genuine charm and likeability that makes him impossible not to root for.

Without giving too much away, the show balances its comedy and heart exceptionally well. Beneath the outrageous costumes, innuendo, and fabulous one liners lies a touching story about friendship, acceptance, identity, and family. It’s easy to see why audiences continue to connect with these characters decades after they first appeared on screen.

Of course, let’s be honest, most people are also here for the music.

This jukebox musical is packed from start to finish with hit after hit. Whether you’re a disco diva, a pop fanatic, or someone whose Spotify playlist hasn’t been updated since 1998, there’s something here for you. The audience around me was practically vibrating with excitement every time a familiar tune started. The gentleman sitting behind me seemed determined to provide his own backing vocals for the entire evening. Thankfully he was mostly in tune.

Visually, the production is simply spectacular.

The costumes deserve their own standing ovation. Outrageous, inventive, colourful, and wonderfully over the top, they are everything you want from Priscilla. Every new scene seemed to unveil another jaw dropping creation. Add in slick choreography, stunning lighting design, impressive sound, and seamless technical wizardry, and you have a production that never loses momentum.

The ensemble deserve special praise too. They work tirelessly throughout the show, creating the energy and spectacle that elevates the production from a simple musical into a full blown theatrical event.

What surprised me most, however, was how uplifted I felt when I left the theatre.

⭐ Yes, I laughed. A lot.

⭐ Yes, I sang along internally to far more songs than I’d care to admit.

⭐ But more importantly, I left with a smile on my face.

In a world that often feels increasingly heavy, there is something genuinely refreshing about spending a couple of hours immersed in pure joy. That’s exactly what Priscilla Queen of the Desert delivers.

Several friends have asked what I thought of the show. My my answer was immediate:

“Fun.” Not just fun. Spectacular fun. Heartwarming fun. Laugh until your cheeks hurt fun.

So if you’re considering a trip to Belfast’s Grand Opera House this week, stop thinking about it and book the tickets. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Priscilla or a sceptic like me, this production proves that sometimes the greatest theatre experiences are the ones you least expect.

Get your tickets now via GOH.co.uk. Priscilla and the Queens are only in Belfast until Saturday 6th June, and you really don’t want to miss this fun filled spectacle. Packed with laughter, heart, unforgettable music, dazzling costumes and enough glitter to be seen from space, this is the ultimate feel good night at the theatre.