The director of the iconic Australian musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has been left utterly gobsmacked after the show's upcoming season in Cairns sold out in a blistering 48 hours. The production has become the hottest ticket in town, with demand far exceeding all expectations and demonstrating the Far North's powerful appetite for world-class theatre.
A Tropical Triumph for the Iconic Bus
David Venn, the producer and director of the new production, confessed he was "stunned" by the phenomenal response from Cairns audiences. The musical, which tells the heartwarming and glittering story of three drag performers on a road trip across the Australian outback, will play at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) from July 30 to August 3. Every single performance was snapped up almost immediately after tickets went on sale.
"We knew there was an audience for Priscilla in Cairns, but the speed of the sell-out has taken us all by surprise," Venn stated. This rapid sell-out mirrors the success the production found in Townsville just weeks prior, where its season also sold out completely. The reaction in Far North Queensland has proven that the story's themes of friendship, acceptance, and flamboyant self-expression resonate deeply with regional audiences.
Unprecedented Demand and Community Buzz
The box office frenzy has created a significant buzz throughout the Cairns community. Local theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the famous 'Priscilla' bus on Sheridan Street. The production's management has acknowledged the unprecedented demand and is actively encouraging disappointed ticket-seekers to join waiting lists in case of any last-minute cancellations.
This event highlights a growing trend for major theatrical productions to include regional hubs like Cairns on their national tours, recognising these cities as vital cultural destinations. The success is a massive win for CPAC, cementing its reputation as a premier venue capable of hosting large-scale, commercially successful musicals.
What This Means for Cairns' Arts Scene
The record-breaking sell-out sends a powerful message to promoters and production companies across Australia. It clearly demonstrates that Cairns possesses a strong, engaged, and financially supportive audience for top-tier entertainment. This success could pave the way for more major productions to consider the Far North as a must-stop location on their touring schedules.
For now, the focus remains on delivering a spectacular show come July. The cast and crew, buoyed by the incredible ticket sales, are preparing to bring all the sequins, high heels, and iconic pop anthems to the stage. As David Venn and his team finalise preparations, they do so with the confidence that their opening night in Cairns will be met with a packed and enthusiastic house, ready to dance in the aisles to the tune of "I Will Survive."
