Entertainment
24 January, 2026
Shire divas dazzle in Priscilla
ONCE again, the ‘Goss’ is celebrating thespians who are representing the Douglas Shire in the Cairns Choral Society’s production of ‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical’, currently running at Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC).
In past Gazza’s Gossip editions, one or two local actors have made it onto the big stage, but on this occasion, it’s no less than five.
They are Angela Whittaker and Jennifer Kerr performing as divas, plus Nathan Kerr, Narelle Spencer and Dwayne Pierce as part of the ensemble.
As with previous Douglas locals who successfully auditioned for a role in Cairns, they are also well known for entertaining show enthusiasts at the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas.
The curtains opened last Friday January 16, with performances running until Saturday January 24.
The Cairns Choral Society has a rich history spanning over 100 years. The hall has a full-stage and a state-of-the-art sound system, dressing rooms, smaller backstage rehearsal rooms, a bar, fully equipped kitchen facilities and is available for hire to groups and other societies.
Based on the 1994 popular movie of the same name, Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical, follows the heart warming and uplifting adventure of three drag performers who hop on-board a battered old bus named Priscilla and cross the Australian Outback, looking for love and friendship and finding much more than they could have ever dreamed along the way.
The show features favourite hit songs including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘Go West’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, ‘I Love The Nightlife’ and many more.
This iconic Australian musical has dazzling costumes, high-energy dance numbers and is a flamboyant, funny, disco-fuelled journey that explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance, making it a touching and relatable experience that audiences love.
Performer Angela Whittaker descends from her glitter-covered throne to reprise her role as Diva, after previously blowing the roof off The Clink Theatre in Port Douglas.
Known for devouring bold characters, Angela has taken the stage as Nancy (Oliver!), Sister Hubert (Nunsense), Mrs Wormwood (Matilda) and the ultimate dancing queen Donna (Mamma Mia!).
She also performs locally with her band DNA, bringing the same high-energy flair to live music that she is known for on stage. “Prepare yourself, as ‘Diva’ has arrived,” Ms Whittaker said.
Fellow performer and Diva Jennifer Kerr said “The musical Priscilla is very dear to my heart.”
“After performing and loving every minute of the two sold out seasons of the show at the Clink with the Douglas Theatre Arts Group (DTAG), when the opportunity came up to perform it again on the big stage at CPAC, I jumped at the chance,” Ms Kerr said. “Thankfully, my audition was successful and I get to be my true ‘Diva’ self, alongside an amazing cast including my son Nathan who quietly walks better in heels than I do.”
Well, it’s ‘chookas’ and congratulations to our Douglas divas and ensemble, they all look truly amazing.
In the meantime, I’m off to break a leg, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
