The 1994 smash hit movie that celebrates Australian diversity and drag culture transferred to the stage in a musical adaptation nearly twenty years ago in 2006. Debuting in Sydney it would take the world by storm and is now loved by both professional and amateur companies alike.
After a sell-out 2024 production, Edinburgh long running local company the Bohemians mark there 116th year by heading to the Festival Theatre to bring this glittering, spectacular to the stage. Packed full of pop anthems, including ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’, this show is sure to dazzle with all of your dance floor favourites. This jukebox musical tells the story of three performers, Adam, Tick and Bernadette, who are booked to perform a show in the heart of The Australian Outback. Follow the glamorous trio through the highs and lows of their journey across the desert as they travel on their bus, Priscilla. The three friends encounter a comedy of errors, with a number of strange characters in this heart-warming tale of friendship and self-discovery.
Scotsgay arts was delighted to catch up with two of the lead performers, Greg McCafferty-Thomson who plays Tick/Mitzi and Graeme Melvin who plays Bernadette for a chat as the company enter final rehearsals prior to taking to the Festival Stage.
What drew you to auditioning for Priscilla Queen of the Desert?
Greg: “Tick is a dream role I’ve wanted to play for a long time. I was originally set to perform the part at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2020, but unfortunately, because of Covid-19, Priscilla was ‘not in service’!
I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to board the bus again, and it is wonderful to be back with The Bohemians for this production. This is such an iconic show, and everyone has worked so hard to make it spectacular for our audiences!”
Graeme: “I played Tick in 2017 with Limelight and had so much fun I wanted to do the show again. I have seen shows done by the BOHs many times and had heard nothing but positive comments about the company, so I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to audition and to be cast in the show.”
How do you see your character delivering the diversity of the show?
Greg: “Tick is essentially trapped between two worlds. He yearns to embrace his identity—as a gay man, a drag queen, and a father—but fears rejection by society and the people he loves. His experiences on the journey help him confront this fear and overcome moments of self-doubt and emotional fragility. Self-acceptance is such a personal process, but I believe Tick is relatable to so many of us who face both the internal and external challenges of this. I hope the audience will be able to connect with his vulnerability, resilience, and strength in my performance.”
Graeme: “Bernadette is a wonderful character. She has endured so many hardships in her life that t is where her strength comes from. She has learned to fight back and does not suffer fools gladly.”
If you could play any other character, who would it be and why?
Greg: “This show is full of brilliant characters, and everyone is bringing something so uniquely special to their portrayals. It would be a privilege to play any character as part of telling such an important story.”
Graeme: “I would be happy to play any character in the show; they are all so wonderful and unique. I am proud to have been given the opportunity to play Bernadette in this production.”
Finally, what’s your favourite song or moment in the show to perform?
Greg: “That is such a tough question! There are so many incredible songs and moments in this show; it’s hard to choose just one. I think performing ‘We Belong’ will be a very special moment. Standing on the Festival Theatre stage, as a whole company, thinking about the meaning of those words will be emotional, empowering, and electrifying!”
Graeme: “My favourite moment in the show is actually not a moment my character is on for. I love the scene where Tick and Benji sing “You were always on my mind” which runs into the Confide in Me/Kylie Medley.”
The Bohs are promising a sensational show full of heart, dazzling costumes and high energy musical numbers that will get the audience invested in their journey and if you go on the Thursday evening you can sing a long too! What’s not to like! So head for the Festival Theatre grab your tickets to board Priscilla the Queen of the Desert for the adventure of a life time!
The Bohemians Presents Priscilla Queen of the Desert Festival Theatre, Edinburgh runs from Wednesday 12th March until Saturday 15thMarch, (Sing a Long Performance on Thursday 13th) For more information and tickets go to: Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical
ScotsGay Arts 