The fun began this weekend at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre when Australia’s most loved and most successful musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, began preview performances on Sunday 21 January.
The iconic, hit production is back after a rollicking ten-year around-the-world extravaganza – including award-winning stints on Broadway and in the West End, plus tours of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Wales and on the high seas with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Future international productions will include seasons in Bangkok, Copenhagen, Mexico City, and return tours to France, Italy, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom for the third time.
Australian theatre royalty Tony Sheldon has returned to reprise the role of “Bernadette”. He has frocked up more than 1750 times across the globe as the sassy desert queen, earning Tony and Olivier nominations for the role. Joining him on the bus is accomplished leading man David Harris as “Tick” and Kinky Boots and Les Misérables alumni Euan Doidge as “Felicia”.
Ballarat-born producer Garry McQuinn said today; “Priscilla has played in 135 different cities in 29 countries around the world which is an incredible achievement and one of which I’m extremely proud. It’s a testament to the many hundreds of people who have worked on this show over the years and the enduring affection we all have for this very Australian and very timely story about acceptance and family.”