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Adèle Anderson’s Journey from Civil Servant to Priscilla’s Bernadette
Harvey Morton sits down with the remarkable Adèle Anderson, who is making history as the first trans woman to professionally play Bernadette in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Best known as one-third of the internationally acclaimed satirical cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda, Adèle opens up about her extraordinary journey, from spending years as a civil servant and secretary while transitioning, to finally breaking into theatre at 30, to now playing the role she was born to play. This is an intimate and honest conversation about perseverance, visibility as activism, found family, and why representation on stage matters more than ever. Adèle shares her thoughts on the current toxic climate around trans rights, why she believes “the vast majority of the British public don’t give two hoots about trans people in bathrooms,” and the profound responsibility of being visible to young people who see themselves reflected on stage. Whether you’re a theatre lover, a Priscilla fan, or someone who needs to hear a story about never giving up on your dreams, this episode will inspire and move you. What it means to be the first trans woman to play Bernadette professionally The “long time coming” journey to this historic moment Adèle’s 10 years of being “unemployable” in theatre while transitioning Working as a civil servant and secretary to prove she “wouldn’t be a burden on the state” How Fascinating Aïda became her foundation, shield, and found family Why the group didn’t address her trans identity for years—and why that changed The overwhelming positive response to their song “Prisoner of Gender” Her perspective on the trans bathroom debate and right-wing media toxicity Meeting parents and children at the stage door who see themselves represented Why visibility on stage is her form of activism The touching story at the heart of Priscilla—identity, diversity, and self-acceptance How Bernadette and the other characters become a found family Learning to dance alongside Strictly professionals and West End dancers The 100+ costume changes and her favourite costume moment Why this story of hope and redemption resonates now more than ever Her advice to her younger self: “Keep at it. Never lose hope.” What’s next for Fascinating Aïda (spoiler: they’re touring again next year!) Adèle Anderson is best known as one-third of Fascinating Aïda, the satirical cabaret trio she’s performed with for over three decades. She is currently starring as Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, making history as the first trans woman to play the role professionally. With a career spanning musical theatre, cabaret, film consultation, and activism through visibility, Adèle continues to inspire audiences across the country. Priscilla Queen of the Desert UK TourWebsite: https://priscillauktour.comTouring through July 2026 across the UK and Ireland Fascinating AïdaWebsite: https://www.fascinatingaida.co.ukNew tour coming in 2027! For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.
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