Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have today announced that actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden will star in their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which will visit Birmingham Hippodrome for the very first time from 13-18 April 2020.

Tickets will go on sale this spring with an exclusive early booking period for Birmingham Hippodrome Friends – click here to find out more about becoming a Friend.

The tour marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale.

Joe McFadden’s theatre credits include: House on Cold Hill (UK tour); The Missing (National Theatre of Scotland); Rainbow Kiss (Royal Court); Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory); Rent (West End); Haunting Julia (Colchester Mercury/ UK Tour); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Edinburgh Playhouse); A Life In The Theatre (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; (Chichester Festival Theatre); 15 Seconds (Traverse Theatre ); Aladdin (The Old Vic); Entertaining Mr Sloane (Theatre Clwyd). Television credits include:  Holby City (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Heartbeat (ITV/YTV); Cranford (BBC); Sparkhouse (BBC/Red Productions); A Mortal God (BBC); Reverse Psychology (BBC); Judge John Deed (BBC/One Eyed Dog); The Glass (ITV1/Granada); The Law (ITV1/Pearson); Sex, Chips & Rock n’ Roll (BBC); The Crow Road (BBC/Union Pictures). Film includes:  Small Faces; Dad Savage; Zig Zag Love; The Trouble with Men and Women; Bumping The Odds.

Joe McFadden said: “I’m over the moon to be taking on this new and exciting challenge in a musical that I have been a massive fan of for such a long time. I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful production team, including Jason whose guidance I feel especially lucky to have given his previous experience with the production.  I can’t wait to take the Priscilla bus on the road and have a bonzer time making the role my own!”

Mark Goucher said: “Joe is great casting for Priscilla. He is a very strong musical theatre performer and will bring great charm and integrity to this new production of a great musical.”

Jason Donovan said: “So pleased to announce Joe be starring in our production. He’s a down to earth, talented guy who will bring enormous warmth to the role of Mitzi. I can’t wait to see him in heels doing those dance routines…. Awesome.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from 13-18 April 2020 with tickets on sale this spring and an exclusive early booking period for Birmingham Hippodrome Friends – click here to find out more about becoming a Friend.