Ulumbarra Foundation | A Sell-Out Success: How Your Support Helped Priscilla Shine
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08 Aug A Sell-Out Success: How Your Support Helped Priscilla Shine

Posted at 12:03h in Uncategorized by

When the Ulumbarra Foundation awarded Bendigo Theatre Company a Power-Up Grant, it wasn’t simply funding marketing—it was investing in the success of one of regional Victoria’s most ambitious community theatre productions.

That investment paid extraordinary dividends.

Bendigo Theatre Company (BTC) launched its first-ever advertising campaign on Bendigo’s bus network, giving Priscilla Queen of the Desert an unprecedented presence across the city (see photos above).

BTC’s increased visibility translated directly into audience demand. Before opening night on 14 May 2026, all 4,340 tickets had been booked. The entire season sold out. And the success reached far beyond the box office.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert brought together 96 local performers, musicians, crew and production volunteers, creating professional-level opportunities for local artists while delivering a bold, joyful and inclusive production that celebrated diversity, resilience and belonging.

The musical production strengthened partnerships with organisations including Thorne Harbour Country and Bendigo Pride, while Bendigo Theatre Company maintained a strong community presence through six local events, from Pride in the Park to the Easter Parade.

For BTC, the Foundation’s support provided the confidence to think big and try something new.

“This was a first for Bendigo Theatre Company, and indeed any local community theatre group, so it created quite a buzz around the city,” said President Conor Cunningham.

Bendigo Theatre Company exceeded every one of its original ambitions: delivering a professional-quality community musical, engaging thousands of local audience members, celebrating diversity and inclusion, fostering greater understanding through the arts, and showcasing the Ulumbarra Theatre as a vibrant cultural hub for the region.

Audience feedback said the show – with its stunning visuals, talented cast, music and flamboyant outfits – was on par or better than other major professional productions.

“I for one am now more interested in local productions. Well done to all,” said Lois Thomas on Facebook.

Following the success of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Bendigo Theatre Company has announced its next major production, Come From Away, which will be presented at Ulumbarra Theatre from 20–23 May 2027.