A MUSICAL which was due to premiere in 2020 is finally hitting the stage.

Barry amateur dramatics company, BillBoard Ensemble, is bringing its version of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert to Barry Memo this July.

The production – based on the musical adaptation of the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – was scheduled for 2020 before the Covid pandemic put live theatre in limbo. 

It follows the story of a trio of drag queens crossing the Australian outback in a battered old bus. Along the way, they’re joined by a fabulously dressed ensemble, some breath-taking singers to lip-sync to and lots of surprises.

This show features 25 dance-floor classics including I Will Survive, Go West, Hot Stuff and many more.

Priscilla: Queen of the Desert is directed by Jonathan Coombs who said:

“As a company that has always supported the LGBTQI+ community, it has been so much fun to direct, produce and star in this wonderful show that can change attitudes towards drag, transsexuality, homosexuality, and acceptance.

“As much as it’s a camp fest, it is also a lovely story that touches on some serious topics in a light-hearted manner.”

Mr Coombs will also play Bernadette, which he described as his “biggest acting challenge to date” adding:

“The people of the Vale have seen me in a frock every year for the past 25 years at Christmas time, but nothing quite like this!”

The production also includes Emma Arscott as musical director and Lois Banks as choreographer.

Plus – thanks to a grant from the Barry Round Table – there will be a British Sign Language (BSL) performance at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 23.

To book BSL tickets e-mail the Memo Arts Centre via boxoffice@memoartscentre.co.uk

Priscilla, Queen of The Desert: The Musical pulls into the Barry Memo Arts Centre from July 20 to July 23. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/3OMSUfh or call the Box Office on 01446 738622