Priscilla set to dazzle at the Civic Theatre

Sequins, stilettos and a glitter-covered bus are taking over the Civic Theatre, as Invercargill Musical Theatre sets the stage for its 2026 production, Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Preparations are underway for the acclaimed musical show, based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, ahead of its opening night at the theatre on Friday 10 July.

Invercargill Musical Theatre President Bernadette Gourley said putting together Priscilla had been a major undertaking, with planning starting nearly a year ago.

“Work began last August when we secured the performance rights and sourced the set, props and costumes. The costumes in particular are quite spectacular – and there are lots of them. They were flown in from Australia, while most of the set and props have travelled down from Christchurch.”

“The cast and creative team have been working up to six days a week over the 12-week rehearsal period to bring the show to life," she said.

“It’s a really busy time for everyone, including our dedicated team of volunteers. They help with everything from working on the show programme and selling tickets, to fitting costumes and finding additional props.”

In total, the show would include 25 on-stage cast, seven backing vocalists, a nine-member band and a crew of approximately 80 people, mostly volunteers.

Gourley said the production was entering the final phase of preparation this week, with set, staging and props being moved into the theatre for final rehearsals.

“It takes 48 hours and our team of volunteers, stage crew, technicians and theatre staff to get everything put in place,” Gourley said.

“We spend the following week rehearsing and running through the show scene-by-scene with the director, lighting programmer, cue caller and crew to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Invercargill City Council Venues and Events Manager Ryan Sycamore said the set, sound and lighting had been carefully adapted to the Civic Theatre’s size and layout, while some of the more challenging aspects of the show required specialist assistance.

“Parts of Priscilla have three cast members lifted high above the stage in harnesses. We’re not new to stage flying at the Civic, but it does require technical help from specialised external riggers to oversee the process and pull it off safely.”

He said the Civic Theatre team were looking forward to a large crowd, following last year’s sell-out season of Matilda the Musical.

“We know what a great show Invercargill Musical Theatre puts on. Matilda was one of the best-selling shows in the Civic’s history, and I’m sure we’ll see just as much enthusiasm from local audiences for Priscilla.”

Further preparations would include a photoshoot for the programme, a session with the cast and band called a ‘sitzprobe’ and several technical rehearsals.

The final four evenings before opening night would be reserved for dress rehearsals.

“It’s a really exciting time as we put the final touches on the performance and prepare to showcase this fabulous, heart-warming story,” Gourley said.

“It has taken a lot of hard work from all involved, but we can’t wait to show the people of Southland what we have been working on for so long.”

Priscilla Queen of the Desert will run at the Civic Theatre between Friday 10 July and Saturday 25 July 2026.

Tickets are available from Ticketek or at the Civic Theatre box office during opening hours.