Priscilla production poised for opening night

BENDIGO Theatre Company returns to Ulumbarra Theatre next week to present a limited run of its stage rendition of 1994 Australian comedy-drama classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical, adapted for the stage by Melbourne theatre director Simon Phillips, with costumes coordinated by Bendigo’s very own Polly Filla, will be staged across three nights from Thursday 14 May, with matinee shows on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May.

Co-lead Elijah Clarke, who plays Anthony Belrose in the production, said he has inevitably re-watched the original movie to prepare for his role.

“I’ve watched it a fair few times now,” he said.

“I’d seen it before and I was a fan of it then.

“I’ve also studied previous theatrical versions to get a sense of what the characters are like on stage versus in the film.

“That’s been really helpful for understanding my role and being able to act accordingly.”

Clarke said final preparations are going well and the team has gelled.

“Rehearsals have been great,” he said.

“It’s been elevating each time we’ve done it, with the inclusion of set pieces and fabulous costumes and getting everything working.

“There’s a huge team of helpers as well, whether that be with costuming, whether that be with props or even people moving things to and from stage.

“It’s coming up nice and quickly – I’m very excited for it all to start kicking off.”

Tickets are available on Gotix.