Entertainment
16 January, 2026
Prepare to be dazzled
THE Cairns Choral Society gets set to open its 2026 season with ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical’ at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC).
With opening night on Friday 16 January, more than 80% of tickets have already been sold across the nine-show season, which runs from 16–24 January 2026.
The production is entering its final stages ahead of a busy period of technical rehearsals inside the theatre.
The musical follows the success of ‘Come From Away’ in 2025 and ‘Les Misérables’ in 2024 and marks the Cairns Choral Society’s first major musical of 2026.
The production features a cast of 30 local performers, a full live band and an extensive custom-designed wardrobe of sequins, feathers and iconic Australiana.
Director Dale Schultz, who is making his major directorial debut, said the atmosphere inside CPAC was already building.
“There’s a real buzz in the building right now,” Mr Schultz said.
“This show is big, bold and full of heart and seeing it come together at CPAC is incredibly exciting. Priscilla is about joy, identity and friendship and it’s a privilege to bring that story to life with such an extraordinary local cast and creative team.”
Based on the 1994 film, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical follows three drag performers travelling across the outback aboard a bashed-up bus named Priscilla.
Along the way, they discover resilience, acceptance, deep friendship and the beauty of being ‘seen’.
The production features well-known songs, including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘I Say a Little Prayer’, ‘Go West’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.
Musical direction is led by musical director Jo-Anne Kemp, with choreography by Krystal Duff-Weekes and Rhianne Rees. Costuming is led by Nolene Rees.
Tickets are available through Ticketlink: www.bit.ly/49uSHJp, from $55, with group bookings of 10 or more eligible for a 10% discount.
