Priscilla role is so special for Nia in Mansfield

Pesented by Masque Productions, the show follows three friends on a comical and heartwarming road trip across the Australian Outback in a battered old bus – nicknamed Priscilla – to stage the show of a lifetime.

And for cast member Nia Alston-Holmes, playing Bernadette Bassenger will be an extra special experience as she returns to the stage after transitioning and she acknowledged that returning for this role feels particularly signifcant.

She said: “It feels fantastic to be back in the rehearsal room, like I've never been away, it's a place I've always loved being

“Visibility is important and it's great to play a role that represents that and allows for me to envelope the role fully.

"I realised recently how much in the past I needed the stage before so that I could live out a part of my life that was hidden.

"Now I no longer have to hide I don't need that vessel and so I can embrace the stage somewhat differently and enjoy it more.

"I don't need the acceptance of others anymore as I give that to myself.

"I can enjoy it for the pure value of having fun and entertaining others.

“I was thrilled, when I got the part of Bernadette.

"I love the film and the musical and have seen it several times, now I get to play the role.

"It means the world, not least because it's with a brand new company to me where I've only ever been known as my true self.

"There's no 'isms' or prejudices to tackle because the role says who she is out loud and everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, it's great.

“Bernadette is a wonderfully complex character.

"She is elegant, funny, formidable and fiercely loyal, but we also see her experience grief, vulnerability, prejudice and ultimately the possibility of finding love again.

"The complexities of the human experience are not limited to one demographic of society.

"We all face the same or similar basic experiences – this is just another perspective and it's great to show all these different dimensions to her.

Bernadette is a trans woman and the role has historically often been played by male actors, but as a trans woman Nia feels her own lived experience gives her a different connection to the character or influences the way you approach her?

She said: “Simply by the fact that I'm not pretending to be a woman of trans experience helps.

"I'm able to relate to bringing authenticity to the character and give a more natural performance.

“I have always lived by the creed that I am a person, not a category.

"I have just as much right to take up space on this earth.

"We all have an equal right to live our lives honestly.

"If you can in this life helps others if you can't don't hurt them."

The original Priscilla film was released more than 30 years ago and attitudes and representation have changed considerably since the,

But Nia still believes the film – and show’s – themes still resonate with audiences.

And that makes her being a trans actress taking on the role of Bernadette in this production all the more significant.

She said: “I think times have changed in recent years and not always for the better.

"We've started seeing a rising tide of anti-trans rhetoric and a decimation of rights and equalities, so it's even more important to listen and see through all the white noise and prejudice.

"LGBTQIA+ individuals have always existed, we've always been in society.

"It's important to note that for a long time people have adopted a live and let live attitude and most people aren't bothered about someone else's identity or preferences as we're all fighting our own battles.

"It's time we started asking questions about why this attitude has changed.

"Personally I think the wrong one per cent is being looked at.

"My existence is no-one else's business and yet we have this epidemic of entitlement spreading where people feel that it's okay to judge or attack others.

"I don't ask anyone's permission to exist.

"I hope the audiences see that Bernadette is a real person with strengths and vulnerability just like everyone else – and that she’s hillarious.

“ I hope people will take joy, laughter and that feel-good factor from this show and I hope they all leave feeling as if they've been touched by a little bit of magic.”

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is at the Palace from November 4 to 8.

Visit mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre or call 01623 463133 to book