Choral Society prepare to debut a show fit for royalty at the Empire

Toowoomba Choral Society prepare to debut dazzling new musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Empire Theatre this week. Here’s how to catch the show.

MEET THE QUEENS: The lead actors in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (from left) Nathan Chant, Brendan Thomas-Ryland and Dylan Ashton at the Empire Theatre. Picture: Nev Madsen

All 60 members of the cast and crew behind the Toowoomba Choral Society’s latest stage production Priscilla Queen of the Desert have a fascinating story to tell – even the beloved bus herself.

“After a lot of searching we found our Priscilla, a 1969 Austin Retro bus for sale on Facebook,” director Mary Quade said.

“It had been sitting in a paddock for years, but it used to be known around the region as the Millmerran Jesus Bus because it picked locals up and took them to church and back home again.”

Cast and crew of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (from left) Dylan Ashton, Brendan Thomas-Ryland and Nathan Chant chat to director Mary Quade. Picture: Nev Madsen

While Ms Quade said the Choral Society’s rendition of the iconic Aussie story is operating on a morsel of the budget the beloved film and Broadway musical had, more than 300 hours have gone into creating the impressive headpieces.

“We were very fortunate to have experienced local cosplayer, Nick Scotney create all the head wear, Debra Nairn make all of the colourful costumes and Maddie Barlow design all of the props, set and outfits,” she said.

“Maddie has actually been mentored by Tim Chappell who designed the costumes for both the film and the stage show so it was an honour to have someone with her insight and talent on the team.”

Nathan Chant plays Bernadette in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Chant wears one of the many wonderful head dresses designed my Maddie Barlow and created by Nick Scotney. Picture: Nev Madsen

Ms Quade, producer Bec Cherry and musical director Nick Williams all agreed this year’s musical was gearing up to be one of the Choral Society’s most successful to date.

“It’s a big privilege to put on a show right now, especially one as big and as progressive as Priscilla in a town that can be quite conservative,” Ms Cherry said.

“We are beyond excited to have the support of the Choral Society Committee and community.”

Cast and crew of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (from left) Brendan Thomas-Ryland and Nathan Chant chat to director Mary Quade at the Empire Theatre. Picture: Nev Madsen

Mr Williams said it was a thrill to be back on stage with the nine-piece band doing what they all love again.

“This project has been in the works for two years now after Covid put all plans on hold so it’s great to see it all come together for this weekend’s performances,” he said.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is running for four shows only from Friday to Saturday with tickets still available online from the Empire Theatre website.