Theatre announces lead role for Priscilla Queen of the Desert performance

Adèle Anderson, best known as one-third of the internationally acclaimed satirical cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda, will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The production comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 23 March until Saturday 28 March 2026.

Adèle (pictured) is a revered performer in British cabaret and has been delighting audiences around the world for over four decades.

Since joining Fascinating Aïda in 1984, Adèle has co-written with founder member Dillie Keane and performed in countless shows earning the group numerous accolades, including nominations for three Olivier Award nominations, a Perrier Awards and the New York Drama Desk Award.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to join such an illustrious team to bring this joyous show to theatres around the UK and Ireland. Bernadette is a warm, witty, caring and compassionate character, whom audiences will love.

“In the current climate it is vital that people see this character as a human being who is secure in herself, who loves, laughs and cries and, most importantly, earns respect from those she encounters as she motors through Australia.”

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, based on the 1994 Oscar-winning film, is set to hit the road bursting onto stages across the UK and Ireland opening at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on 19 February 2026.

Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, the sassy and joyous Broadway and West End hit musical, follows the hilarious and heart-warming journey as three friends travel across Australia in a dilapidated bus nicknamed Priscilla to put on the show of a lifetime.

Packed full of dazzling dance routines, a sparkling array of costumes and an iconic soundtrack of 80s and 90s disco anthems including ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, ‘Finally’ and more, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is described as an “exuberant celebration of acceptance and belonging, bursting at the seams with humor, heart and spectacle”.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert UK & Ireland Tour is produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale (Hairspray The Musical, The Full Monty and Shrek The Musical) and Gavin Kalin.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 23 March until Saturday 28 March 2026. Tickets can be booked via the website or by calling 0121 689 3000.