The iconic Australian musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be the first live performance held at the Civic Theatre in three months since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Newcastle Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace (third from right) with some of the cast members from the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which opens on Wednesday night. Photo supplied.

Local theatre company Metropolitan Players will perform their rendition of the fabulous musical from tomorrow (Wednesday) night, November 10.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the further easing of restrictions would allow even more people to experience the joy of live performance.

“COVID-19 brought our vibrant industry to a halt, with the restrictions and shut-downs a blow for performing artists and production companies such as the Metropolitan Players, who were relying on this show to secure their future beyond this production,” Wallace said.

“The staging of our first live performance on Wednesday could not have been better timed, with the new Public Health Order that will be in effect allowing us to resume with 100 per cent capacity for fully vaccinated audience members.

“Reopening the theatre will provide a much-needed boost to the city’s night-time economy in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions while also allowing us to support our local performing arts community.

“It also paves the way for a fantastic launch of our new subscription season on December 1.”

Priscilla performances will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, as well as matinee and evening sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for the seven performances are now on sale and can be purchased online or at the Civic Theatre’s new ticket counter located in the heart of the historic building.           

The new ticket counter is next to the Civic Theatre Café, which was designed to complement the unique and historical elements of the theatre.

Theatregoers will be subject to COVID-safe measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of all staff, performers and others in attendance.

Mandatory mask-wearing still applies inside the Civic Theatre for anyone aged 12 years or older.

Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle