Review: Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical opens with dazzling bang at Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre
Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical runs at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until Saturday, July 4
Igniting the stage with an explosion of vibrant costumes and glitter, stunning choreography and mesmerising performances, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a musical which grabs your attention from the get go and never lets up.
The hit Broadway and West End show opened with a dazzling bang at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre last night, and runs until Saturday (July 4, 2026).
Based on the beloved 1994 film, Priscilla explores themes of identity, visibility, chosen family, and the importance of staying true to who you are, through three friends’ road trip through Australia’s Outback on a clapped out bus.
In addition to a plethora of bizarre roadside sights, the trio encounter homophobic and transphobic prejudice and abuse along the way.
But every situation - both big and small, joyful and mournful, benign and malevolent - is merely an opportunity for Bernadette, Tick/Mitzi and Felicia/Adam to do what they do best: perform and have an amazing time doing it.
That is often in the form of the big musical numbers, which are an enchanting spectacle, often featuring the whole ensemble cast as they dance, shimmy and strut whilst donning a wide array of spectacular costumes, wigs and feathered accessories.
Adéle Anderson has such presence and poise as Bernadette that she steals most scenes she is in. Kevin Clifton’s portrayal of Tick/Mitzi was compelling, whilst Nick Hayes’ Felicia/Adam perfectly balanced light and shade, and was a joy to behold.
Forrest Mahjouri played Tick’s young son Benji on the night we visited, and put in an excellent performance, as he went from some father-son bonding on the “pokies” - slot machines for those not familiar - to giving his everything to the final musical number.
Former Blue Peter presenter, Peter Duncan, was an audience favourite as Bob, as he brought depth to the kind yet conflicted and contradictory character.
It felt a shame, however, that whilst several aspects of the story have been updated for modern audiences, with issues such as trans inclusivity and generational differences handled thoughtfully, the character of Cynthia, Bob’s wife, remained one-dimensional and relied on tired tropes that are probably best left behind at the roadside. Isabella Glanznig Santos made the best of the character material she had to work with, though.
The addition of the Divas, and their soulful vocals, is a great move, and one which really elevates the musical.
The frenetic pace, as the performers and incredible orchestra, took us through campy classics such as I Will Survive, Boogie Wonderland, Locomotion, What’s Love Got To Do With It, sometimes means the show doesn’t linger long enough on some of the well-earned moments of pathos.
But then, Priscilla is, after all, a musical, and an incredibly vibrant, euphoric and fun one at that.
Those going to join in on the fun should expect razor sharp wit, an abundance of double entendres and a fabulous production which will have you up on your feet and dancing along by the time the final curtain, adorned with a giant mirrorball of course, falls.
For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/priscilla-musical-2026