Film to Stage
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The Film
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is one of the most successful Australian movies of all time.
Shot almost entirely on location in just six weeks and on a tiny budget, it called for almost guerrilla-style filmmaking. Locals were pulled off the street to be extras, costumes were held together with glue, locations were secured at the last minute and cast and crew battled with both the flies and the heat of the desert. No one really knew what they were making.
The first time that writer Stephan Elliott saw Priscilla projected onto a screen was at a surprise screening at the 1994 San Francisco Film Festival. The reaction was delirious! Then, at the Cannes Film Festival, a near riot broke out as people fought to get a seat at the midnight slot. In the days that followed, a buying frenzy took place as distributors from all over the world snapped up rights.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert went on to win the Grand Prix du Publique at Cannes Film Festival, BAFTAs for Costume Design and Make-Up Design and an Academy Award for Costume Design which Lizzy Gardiner, with Tim Chappel, famously accepted wearing a dress made entirely of Gold American Express Cards (the original design for the Thong Dress.
10 Years On – The Musical Rears its Fabulous Wig
The Australian production artwork
The potential for Priscilla to be adapted as a stage musical may now seem obvious – the costumes, the music, the ‘numbers’ were all there – but it took a UK screenwriter and producer, Allan Scott, to set the wheels in motion.
One day, Scott looked at The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert again and realised it contained many of the elements of any successful musical: Big characters, great comedy, a heart-warming central story, conflict, sets and costumes and, of course, the possibility of great music.
Scott teamed up with Michael Hamlyn, one of the film’s producers (and a fellow Brit) and began negotiations to obtain the rights to stage the musical from the film’s principal distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
Two long years later, in July 2004, they were successful. It was exactly a decade since the film had been released.
During this period of negotiations, London-based Australians Liz Koops and Garry McQuinn of Back Row Productions, were invited to join Scott and Hamlyn in producing the musical. For the last decade, Back Row had been successfully touring innovative productions such as Tap Dogs, Slava’s Snowshow and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake around the world. They were looking for a new show and saw in Priscilla the essential elements of a great, tourable, production. They brought on two of Australia’s most experienced entertainment figures as producing partners: live music promoter Michael Chugg and theatrical impresario John Frost.
The production progressed with the appointment in September 2005 of Simon Phillips as director. Phillips, who has been Artistic Director of the Melbourne Theatre Company since 2000, is one of Australia’s most experienced and versatile directors with credits ranging from new works and Shakespeare classics, to musicals and opera. He began working with the show’s writers – Allan Scott and the film’s creative visionary writer and director Stephan Elliott, who had been ensconced in London developing the script, or ‘book’, of the musical.
In January 2006. a staged workshop was held in Melbourne with a company of ten actors, including Tony Sheldon (Bernadette). This was make-or-break time when the sceptics needed to be convinced, and the producers confident enough to proceed. The day after the workshop, a decision was made. Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical was going into production.
With stiletto flat to the floor, the musical began to take shape as it secured the remainder of its creative team: the film’s award-winning costume designers, Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel, renowned stage designer Brian Thomson, the most experienced choreographer in Australia, Ross Coleman and, fresh from winning a Helpmann Award for Best Musical Direction for Dusty, musical director Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy.
In October 2006 at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, the AUD$6.5 million musical opened to advance sales of 50,000 tickets where it played for 11 months before transfering to Melbourne for a further 7-month sell-out season. A short visit to Wellington, New Zealand was followed by a return Sydney prior to the production crossing halfway across the world to open at London’s Palace Theatre in spring 2009,
Priscilla has already been seen by close to 1 million friends in Australia and New Zealand and looks forward to welcoming aboard many, many more.
40 comments for this entry:
by Amanda
I saw Pricilla today and thought it was absolutely incredible. It’s the most upfliting, inspiring and wonderful show imaginable. Just one question though … is there a line in the show where they actually name the bus Pricilla? I might have missed it but I remember it happening in the film and if it’s not in the show, it means the title doesn’t quite make sense to people who don’t know the story. Apologies if it’s in there, although if it is, maybe it could be a little more heightened? It’s a significant point in the story and it would be great to see it as more of a moment in the show.
But apart from that small comment, I LOVED it!!
by Mandy
There is the line in the show too during Go West - Adam (I think!) says “I hereby christen this budget Barbie camper van Priscilla Queen of The Desert”!!
by Nat
I saw the show last night, and I think it should be offered on the NHS!! In these depressing economic times, it’s just the tonic to make you laugh out loud and revel in the fun and frivolity for a couple of hours - LOVED it! Just one question - when’s the UK Cast Recording coming out on CD?!?
by Andy (Leigh on sea )
Well what can you say this show is just awesome the cast , the set , the costumes its a real uplifting show , and I think everyone should get down to see Prscilla , well done all off you , im seeing it for the 2nd time on April 2nd and cant wait
by Jules
Come home Priscilla !!! We miss you..
I saw Priscilla in Sydney and I sooooooooo want to see it again…Seriously I have holidays in June..and a big meeting in Shanghai..I am looking at flights now to LONDON with Shanghai stopover ….I saw Chicago in BrisVegas…it was good but it wasnt Priscilla… This will turn into the next Ashes..if the UK doesnt send her home soon! Bye xx
by loocy
wow, wow, and wow again!
i loved the film, and on sat (28th) afternoon i loved the show! superb cast, set and costumes!
i have to see it again and again!
just heard venus on a moutain top on the radio … i will only ever have one memory of that song now!
by ann
it was the best thing I have ever been to !So uplifting what we need with all this gloom around.The costumes the songs.the cast were all amazing,can’t wait to go again on 9th May.well done all of you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann xx
by Alan
Saw the show a week ago today, fantastic what a great show, well done to everyone involved cast and crew. The cast made my day by pulling me up on stage to dance, thanks it was brilliant, can’t wait to get up there again with you guys. Cheers
by richard
We cannot remember the last time we enjoyed ourselves as much at the theatre.The moment the overture started we cheered and felt drained by the finale for grinning and laughing and crying and clapping and singing along. Terrific night, seeing it again in August but until then we have our pink Priscilla balls to remind us of a fabulous evening. Long may you reign.
by lily
Loved it! The best show I ever seen. I’m an Aussie and I saw it three times( including the final show) when it was in Melbourne. I hope the rest of the world enjoys it just as much. You wont be disappointed!
by rach16
PLEASE SEND IT HOME SOON!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE EVEN THOUGH I SAW IT FOUR TIMES I WOULD PAY ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD TO SEE IT AGAIN SO PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR NEXT TO AMERICA PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MAKE IT AN AUSSIE ICON!
by Chris Terry
We went to see the show last week and it didnt dissapoint it was the most amazing thing i have ever seen!
Is it true that it will only be in London for a limited period before it goes to America or will it stay in london?
by xabitxin
Fantastico,si estais en Londres yo no dejaria de verlo.Un vestuario alucinante, asi como la puesta en escena y la banda sonora.A lo largo de la representacion acabas contajiandote de la alegria del musical, y te unes a el coreando los temas archiconocidos, con los actores/as
by teech
Went to see Priscilla last night thought it was a brilliant show, uplifting and Felicia was just the best…will be going again!! We all need this during these horrid times!!
by ethan
I saw Priscilla last night at the west end and it was fabulous. I was never bored at all unlike other musicals. I can’t wipe out the grin on my face, it’s such an uplifting show and the cast were fantabulous, catchy score , overall brilliant. They deserve the standing ovation they had last night. This is highly recommended, it’s like the new Mamma Mia - very addictive.x
by oktogon
I am just passing through London that is why I feel very lucky to have managed getting tickets with a short notice. I thought ‘Priscilla…’ would be good for I have seen the movie and liked it, but never in my wildest dreams have I expected such a brilliant show, I would like to salute the cast and all staff for this experience wishing them continued success to go on strong,,,,the 10 minute full standing ovation was euphoric, as well, at the end..THANK YOU and BRAVO….
by scottwaldron
Yes it’s in the show there is a scene i think just after the Lars, Lars and Lars bit where Felicia/Adam gets on top of the bus and names it Priscilla before smashing a confetti filled bottle of champagne on it.
by musicallover
ive seen the show twice already and booked to see it again i absolutely love it so much fun! everyone should see this show i love the cast,set, costumes and music everything in it is amazing XXX
by DangerGirl
So glad to hear the UK run is going so well ~ Can’t wait for the dates to be announced for Toronto!!!
by jamiekennywicked
Hi there. Is there plans for ireland or to release a dvd of the show or the scirpt? Many thanks
by Priscilla
Hi Jamie,
There are no immediate plans for Ireland, but it may well tour there in the future. There are no plans to make a DVD of the Musical, I’m afraid.
best,
Priscilla
by scottyp26
Hello
My friend and I went to see the show on Saturday 4th July and we came out feeling fantastic. Perfect in every way - we couldnt fault it. Well done to everyone involved and thanks for making our weekend in London fantastic. Oh by the way Frank was my favourite…Cant wait to see it again,
Love it! love it! love it!
Paul
by jamiekennywicked
Thanks Priscilla. I was wondering is there anywhere i can find character informtion like where certain charcters are in the plot
by Priscilla
Hi Jamie,
There is character and story information in the show programmes
Best,
Priscilla
by Adam McDonald
I saw the show on the 6th August’ 2009. It was the best show I have seen in my life. I loved the songs like I will Survive, Go west and Finally. The dancing and the costumes were amazing. The story is very good with lots of funny parts. Its a must see and I could go and see it again.
by oktogon
Got to see the show yerterday for the second time (matinee). I can just further glorify it. Still incredibly FRESH, UPBEAT and UPLIFTING. Keep it up…PLEASE,,,,,,,all the best to cast and crew
by carolannereed
We came to London to watch Priscilla for my birthday last weekend. We thought the show was absolutely fantastic. Everything about it was fabulous. The costumes and the singing was phenomenal. I would love to see the show again and again. If the show doesn’t win best new musical, there is something wrong. I loved Oliver, he is lovely, and he is Welsh!
by Jeannie
Just watched the video of Tony’s 1000th performance in it he said people said that it helped them when they were down extra, just to so he is so right, we lost our daughter last Jan (2009) to Cystic Fibrosis, in the May I came along with a group from work and I came away for the first time since January feeling uplifted, even tho I was thinking that our daughter would have absolutely loved it too anyway came back last week with my husband and he loved it too, it is such a wonderful uplifting show, definately got to come back again. Thanks everyone in the show for such a wonderful time. Good Luck to you all.
Jeannie
by nicksaz
February 15th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
hi there we went to see the show on saturday 13/02/2010.
it was a fab show we think it was 1 of the best we have seen
worth every penny and time watching every1 perform how it should be performed
would go and see it again again
love the singing and dancing by all involved
by jking7
February 24th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
outstanding performance funny all the way through. Priscilla never stops giving its comedy and heart warming story. i must see show in london, Priscilla queen of the desert the most exciting show of the year 5 star you will go in straight and you will leave gay and full of laughter
by debraladiva
Love it, Love it, Love it. If you want a great time see this show it is such a high level of entertainment
by colz_09
Hey Hey i’m coming to see the show on Tuesday night, and simply cannot wait!!
Looking at the videos and things that are around on the internet, it looks amazing, and i’m soo sure it will be even better.
I’m taking my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday which was actually last thursday, i want to make the night really special for him but don’t have that much more money… any ideas?
thanks
colz xx
by Holly
Hi!
I’m coming back to see Priscilla in April. So, watch out girls, i’m coming to get you!
Not literally, of course! Watch out for me, i’ll be the one who probably faints when Oliver comes on…
by nyrie
Saw it in July 2009 with my mum - absolutely awesome! In April,my three kids and I travelled to London. We absolutely loved it so much they decided they had to go again! To Tristan Temple - a huge thanks for getting my 16 year old girl up on stage to dance - it truly was the highlight of her trip. To everyonewho signed autographs, allowed us to take photos and chatted for ages, lots of hugs and kisses - you gave 3 Australian kids and their mum the best memory of London! And Oliver - don’t worry, your Australian accent sounds true blue.xox
by ellynx.
hi:)
i saw the show on saturday 29 May this year; and i loved every single moment of it 
i would love to see it again!
i got home and went on the website and saw that the show i’d just seen was Jason Donovan’s last performance:(
just thought i’d say what i thought….
all the actors were AMAZING! They are sooo talented.
and a question…
will there be a DVD coming out of the show?
that way i can have the film and show version on DVD!
by johnnyboy
i saw the last year and going again in july. it took over a week to get the grin off my face due to the laughing. it has to be the best pick me up if your down. i was even dragged onto the stage to dance with the cast which was the icing on the cake. i’ve kept them balls to remind me of the great time i had. thankyou to the cast and the band under the stage as no one thanks them!!! see you in july…..
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