Star-studded cast and glittering costumes revealed for Priscilla Queen of the Desert UK tour

Kevin Clifton, Adèle Anderson and Nick Hayes lead the cast as hit musical opens in Manchester next February

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton will lead the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert when the beloved musical hits the road for a UK and Ireland tour in 2026, launching at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

Clifton will star as Tick/Mitzi alongside Fascinating Aïda’s Adèle Anderson, who takes on the role of Bernadette. Nick Hayes, known for Groundhog Day at The Old Vic, plays Felicia/Adam. Joining them is Peter Duncan (The Dame, Pretender) as Bob.

The dazzling stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 1994 film opens on 19 February 2026 and will tour until July that year, bringing a burst of disco-fuelled energy to theatres across the UK and Ireland.

Featuring crowd-pleasing anthems like It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, the show tells the heartwarming and often hilarious story of three friends who journey across the Australian Outback in a battered bus named Priscilla to perform the show of a lifetime.

Joining the creative team is BAFTA-winning costume designer Vicky Gill, best known for her work on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice. She makes her musical theatre debut with over 100 costumes designed specifically for the production.

Gill said: “Every sequin, feather, stitch, and silhouette helps tell the story in real time, right before the audience’s eyes. Bringing this glamorous and fabulous world to life through costume is a dream come true.”

Clifton added: “Priscilla is bold, joyful, and unapologetically full of heart. Taking on Tick is not just about the glitz and glamour, it’s about identity, family and love. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to perform in those incredible costumes with that soundtrack?”

The production is directed by Olivier Award nominee Ian Talbot OBE with choreography by Olivier winner Matt Cole. Set and lighting is by Andrew Exeter, and the full creative team includes Sam Holmes (associate director), Ben Harrison (sound design), Leo Flint (video design), Craig Forrest-Thomas (hair and makeup), and casting by David Grindrod CDG.

The full ensemble also includes Dakota Starr (alternate Bernadette), Leah Vassell, Bernadette Bangura, Jessie May, Gary Lee, Billie Hardy, Isabella Glanzing Santos, Sario Solomon, Jak Allen-Anderson, Alexander Emery and ensemble members Michael Afemaré, Tia Antoine-Charles, Olivia Bella, Alexander Gage, Fionan O’Carroll, Nathan Ryles, Samuel Stokes and Mary Suarez.

The tour will visit 20 locations, including Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin, Brighton and Truro, with performances running through to 18 July 2026.

The musical’s themes of diversity, resilience, and authenticity have helped it maintain enduring appeal over the years. At its heart, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a celebration of acceptance and belonging, wrapped in glitter and powered by disco.

Tickets are available from ATG here; https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/