Priscilla goes Bohemian
Bohemians’ Priscilla for Festival Theatre
Edinburgh has a long relationship with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was the opening gala movie at its International Film Festival in 1994, when the after party dress-code was “black tie or drag”.
The flamboyant chose drag – obviously. And took tips from Terrance Stamp, who played Bernadette, in the List Magazine’s feature on drag at the Fringe – itself long a space where drag performers could cross from the clubs to the mainstream.
Greg McCafferty-Thomson, Graeme Melvin and Dean McAvoy. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
Thirty-something years on, and drag is the drug for a trio of Edinburgh’s Bohemian Lyric Opera Company members. They are playing the key drag roles in the movie’s hit-heavy musical theatre adaptation – Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Musical – which the company is bringing to the Festival Theatre stage this week.
The Bohemians are playing to the gallery in their four night, five performance stand by including a sing-along Thursday evening performance, when everyone can join in with such iconic numbers as It’s Raining Men, Downtown, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and even the Sempre libera aria from La traviata.
But first, we asked Greg McCafferty-Thomson, Graeme Melvin and Dean McAvoy, who are playing the three starring queens, about putting on drag and how that differs from putting on costume and slap for a straight play; what their memories of Priscilla are; and the challenges of playing the Festival Theatre.
Greg McCafferty-Thomson who is playing Tick/Mitzi. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
Greg McCafferty-Thomson is taking the key role of Tick (drag stage name Mitzi Mitosis), the drag queen who starts it all when he agrees to perform a drag show at his estranged wife’s resort in Alice Springs – largely because their now eight-year-old son Benji wants to meet his father.
“I love the part of the rehearsal process when I get to try on my character’s costume for the first time, as it really helps bring everything to life,” says Greg. “My first experience of drag has been on another level though!
“Drag is its own kind of magic – it’s so much more than the costume or makeup. It’s about transforming into an entire persona. This has enabled me to embrace my physicality and expression in a completely different way; something both larger-than-life and deeply personal.”
Greg McCafferty-Thomson (Mitzi). Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
And what memories do you have of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?
“I remember first watching the movie in my late teens. It was incredibly powerful for me at that moment in time to see such an uplifting story about acceptance, resilience, and the freedom that comes from embracing your true self.
“I saw the stage musical a few years ago and loved how it used the same humour, music, and vibrancy as the movie to tackle serious themes of identity, acceptance, and belonging, making it just as important today as it was back then.”
Make-up artist Emily Lister MUA at work. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
Is there a vulnerability to your character?
“Tick is essentially trapped between two worlds. His vulnerability lies in his desire to embrace his identity – as a gay man, a drag queen, and a father – but he fears rejection by society and the people he loves. His experiences on the journey help him confront this fear and overcome moments of self-doubt and emotional fragility.
“Self-acceptance is such a personal process, but I believe Tick is relatable to so many of us who face both the internal and external challenges of this. It is such a privilege to play this character and be part of telling such an important story.
“It has been great to work with Dean and Graeme as part of this process. We’ve bonded through sharing our personal experiences and I hope our audiences will connect with the vulnerability, resilience and strength in our performances.
And how about performing at the Festival Theatre?
“This is my first time performing at the Festival Theatre, and I feel incredibly grateful and proud to have the opportunity. The show holds a very special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to embrace the whole experience. The entire company have worked so hard over the past few months to make this a spectacular show for our audiences. I’m so excited for us all to get on that iconic stage together.”
Graeme Melvin who is playing Bernadette. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
Graeme Melvin is playing trans woman Bernadette, the role made famous by Terrance Stamp. Although her husband has just died, Bernadette agrees to join Tick on the big lavender bus, Priscilla, for the journey to Alice Springs.
“Drag is an art form I have always loved, says Graeme. “I admired performers who do drag, I think sometimes it can get a bad rep, but many people don’t respect the skills and time that go into making these personas so fabulous.
“ Our photo shoot was the first opportunity for us to see ourselves in drag, which was a wonderful and emotional experience. I am thankful to the team at the Bohemians for giving me the opportunity to play Bernadette and really looking forward to the show. ”
Do you have memories of Priscilla at all?
“I was still in high school when the film came out, so it was a good few years after its original launch before I saw it.”
“ I immediately fell in love with the characters, their journeys and of course the comedic timing of the insults they gave each other. This is the second time I have been in a production of Priscilla, maybe there will be a third time, who knows! ’
Graeme Melvin (Bernadette). Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
How about the vulnerability of Bernadette as a character?
“Each character is very different and just come from a different background. For me, it is important to tell each of their stories, and I think we do that.
Tick/Mitzi has lived with a big secret all his life, something many gay men have been through. He just wants to feel love and to be happy, something I think each of us want.
“Bernadette has endured so many hardships in her life, this is where her strength comes from. She has learned to fight back and does not suffer fools gladly (a wee bit like myself).
“Adam/Felicia, just wants to party – their strength comes from not caring what anyone thinks! He believes he was put in this planet to have fun, and that is exactly what he is going to do!
How do you feel about performing at the Festival Theatre?
“ I am extremely excited and cannot wait to perform there. Such a beautiful theatre; what a wonderful company: I will be very sad when it’s over!”
Dean McAvoy who is playing Adam/Felicia. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
Dean McAvoy is playing Adam, the young drag queen who goes by the name of Felicia Jollygoodfellow and who can’t quite get his head round the idea that wandering off in makeup to meet men – in an outback town full of bogans – might not be a great idea.
“We had a drag makeover for our photoshoot, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before!” says Dean. “The brilliant Emily and Rosie in our cast did an extraordinary job transforming us, and the result was nothing short of fabulous.
“The makeup was bold, vibrant, and unapologetic – it gave me a real sense of the confidence required to embody a drag queen’s larger-than-life presence. The costumes, too, are outrageously fun and extravagant.
“With drag, you have the freedom to push boundaries; outfits that might seem absurd in other settings are not only embraced but expected. Nothing is off-limits, and I absolutely love that!
Dean McAvoy as Adam. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
How about your memories of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?
“I was only two years old when the film was released, so I must confess that my first time watching it was after I heard the Bohemians were staging the production. But as soon as I saw it, I was completely captivated. I knew instantly that I had to be a part of this show!”
Is there a vulnerability to your character, Adam?
“Adam is a fierce, sassy queen with unwavering confidence, but as the show unfolds, we see a much more vulnerable side to him. Like anyone, beneath the bravado, he craves acceptance and love. His first real moment of fragility comes after he and the others are victims of a homophobic attack.
“Despite their flamboyant personas, we see how deeply words and hatred can wound. To portray this, I’ll be drawing on my own personal experiences of discrimination to bring authenticity to the raw emotions this scene demands.
“Later in Act 2, Adam endures a traumatic assault in a bar, leaving him shaken and exposed in a way we haven’t seen before. In this moment, his defences drop completely, allowing his friends to rally around him with love and support.
Rosie Sugrue helps out on hair and wigs. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
“Sadly, this scenario is all too familiar for many vulnerable individuals – especially women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other minority groups. It’s incredibly important to me that I portray these moments with honesty and sensitivity. Our director, Malcy, has been instrumental in ensuring we give these stories the care and depth they deserve, and I hope our performances do them justice.
And finally, how do you feel about performing at the Festival Theatre?
“I’m absolutely thrilled (and just a little intimidated!) to be performing on such an iconic stage. I’ve had the privilege of seeing several productions at the Festival Theatre, and there’s something truly magical about the space. It has an incredible ability to draw audiences into the heart of a performance.
“The thought of stepping onto that stage with my amazing Bohemians family and bringing this show to life is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to put on a spectacular performance for everyone!”
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical plays the Festival Theatre Edinburgh from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 March 2025. Thursday night is a special sing-along night when the audience can let rip. No such joy for audiences at the Playhouse next year, when the West End tour comes to town.
Listing
Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical (Bohemians)
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street EH8 9FT. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000.
Wed 12 – Sat 15 Mar 2025
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
NB: Thurs 7.30pm: Sing-along perf.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Thursday sing-along performance: Book here.
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert – The Musical
Playhouse, 18 – 22 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA.
Tue 14 – Sat 18 Apr 2026
Evenings: 7.30pm; Wed, Sat mats: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Greg McCafferty-Thomson, Graeme Melvin and Dean McAvoy. Pic: Ric Brannan Photography.
ENDS
