It’s been more than 30 years since Stephan Elliott’s Oscar-winning film, 'The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert' first drove into cinemas and Aussies' hearts, and more than three decades later, the classic continues to inspire storytellers and creatives.
Perth-based drag queen Dean Misdale is the latest to revive the iconic story with their brand-new Fringe show, 'Dragged Through The Desert – A Priscilla Celebration'.
Misdale describes the show as a cabaret version of the musical, that is essentially about “giving 'Priscilla' its flowers and allowing people to come and see this show in a Fringe setting.” Misdale has previously performed in two productions of 'Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert' and has been inspired by the story ever since. “I was in 'Priscilla' the musical twice now and I’ve become quite well-known for it here in Perth. I was performing a lot of the songs solo in my one-woman cabaret show, and it was just sort of a natural progression to move into doing a full-blown 'Priscilla' tribute show, sort of by popular demand.”
Misdale credits the iconic characters, powerful storyline and incredible music as part of 'Priscilla'’s enduring legacy. “I actually think the music is just music everybody knows and loves,” Dean says. “It’s songs they can sing along to and it’s feel good music and it just brings a party. People love it and it's timeless, and the film is over 30 years old and people still love it and still want to hear the stories and the songs.”
In 'Dragged Through The Desert – A Priscilla Celebration', Misdale leads a cast of drag queens and dancers in a 60-minute cabaret retelling of the iconic musical. “There’s two other drag queens and two other back-up dancers but they’re all Perth locals, and one of the dancers in the show also worked in the stage musical with me, so he and I have worked together many times. The cast were all hand-picked by myself and are people that I knew were up for the job, they were the best at what they do and it was all about bringing together a strong team who are on the same wavelength about wanting to celebrate this show together.”
“We really aren’t deviating too far from the 'Priscilla' story. It says it in the name, it’s a celebration of 'Priscilla' and it really does stick near and dear to the origins of the original story. We are just putting it out there in our own little way and keeping it true to the original and just putting a little fresh spin on it here and there, without taking away what people know and love about 'Priscilla'.”
Misdale, who is a Perth Fringe World favourite, regularly premieres new works at the festival. Their 2025 show, 'Drag Me To Broadway' was one of the most buzzed-about new shows at Fringe last year, and they are delighted to be debuting another new work this year.
“Perth Fringe is at the beginning of the year and so it’s a really great time to premiere a new show, and because I do Perth every year, I really want to keep giving audiences new shows. I don’t want to become stale and perform the same thing year in and out. Not only am I wanting to give the audiences something new, but I also want to do something new and creative for myself.”
'Dragged Through The Desert – A Priscilla Celebration' plays Big Top at The Pleasure Garden (Fringe World) 21 January-1 February.
