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Australia’s most successful homegrown musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, is back to packed houses at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.

Based on the Oscar – winning Australian film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is the hilarious story of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. The 1994 film starring Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce remains one of Australia’s most successful films and soundtracks of all – time with a swag of awards in the trophy cabinet, including an Oscar for Best Costume Design.

“Why do we put up with insults and abuse?” asks Mitzi backstage after his old-school drag act has been heckled. “So we can feel like real women,” is the wily reply. It’s a good moment and wins a spontaneous ovation early in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical. But it does not presage what lies ahead.

Just over a decade ago, the idea that an Australian musical based on the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert could conquer the world stage would have been regarded pie in the sky. No homegrown musical had ever done so.

Since then, the show has blazed a trail from the West End to Sao Paolo, and its triumphant homecoming is all the sweeter for it. What’s the secret to Priscilla’s indestructible fabulousness?

Slap on your false eyelashes, bouffant wigs, sequined gowns and stilettos because Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is back and it’s chock-a-block with camp innuendo, cheeky choreography and eye-poppingly garish costumes.

Simon Phillips’ irreverent production is a feast of absurd lip-synching and classic, disco tunes including: It’s Raining Men, I Love The Nightlife, I Will Survive and Shake Your Groove Thing.

Bryce Hallett talks to Priscilla creator Stephan Elliott and many of the key players that, over the years, have helped translate ‘wonderful naivete’ into Australia’s most successful theatrical export.

Tap on to Australia’s most iconic bus and meet the cast riding aboard as they travel the country in 2018. Priscilla cast member Adele Parkinson switches gears to interview Tony Sheldon, sharing his stories and insights from behind the scenes of this fabulous Aussie musical.

Tony Sheldon couldn’t wait to take up the role of Bernadette again for the 10th anniversary reunion tour of Priscilla, which opens at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in January.

A Q&A with Euan Doidge, starring as Felicia in the 10th anniversary Australian tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical

Producer Michael Cassel has this morning confirmed the full cast for the 10th anniversary Australian tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which is set to open at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on 21 January 2018.

He’s already donned the frock nearly 2,000 times, but nothing could stop Tony Sheldon from coming home to star in Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical.

Bernadette is coming home, and she’s getting back on the bus!

The story of Australia’s most successful musical theatre export, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, would hardly be complete without Tony Sheldon. The legendary 62-year-old actor has been at the heart of the show every step of the way, playing the role of Bernadette more than 1750 times.