THERE will be plenty of glitter among the sand when the iconic musical, Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, decamps in the county next week.

The musical, which has been a hit on Broadway and in the West End is the initial offering by co-producers Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan.

They have just announced that actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden will star in their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit show which is coming to Malvern for the first time and will be on stage at the Festival Theatre from Monday, October 14 to Saturday, October 19.

The show, which began a tour of the UK and Ireland last month, marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours.

They’re claiming it will have more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.



Based on the Oscar-winning film, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime.

Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.



Joe McFadden has a whole string of theatre credits to his name and he has also been a regular on out tv screens in programmes such as Holby City (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Heartbeat (ITV/YTV); Cranford (BBC) and and many more.

He said: “I’m over the moon to be taking on this new and exciting challenge in a musical that I have been a massive fan of for such a long time.

'I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful production team, including Jason - whose guidance I feel especially lucky to have given his previous experience with the production.

"I can’t wait to take the Priscilla bus on the road and have a bonzer time making the role my own!”



Mark Goucher said: “Joe is great casting for Priscilla. He is a very strong musical theatre performer and will bring great charm and integrity to this new production of a great musical.”