The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

She's back... Looking as gorgeous and outrageous as ever in a brand new frock.

“That’s just what this country needs:  A cock in a frock on a rock. “

The Rio Theatre’s#MusicMonday movie series is getting dressed up and in the mood for Vancouver Pride 2025 with a screening of writer-director Stephan Elliot‘s glittering delight THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT.

This iconic Australian road tripping tale is one of our most regularly-requested films, and between its eye-popping visuals and spectacular soundtrack, it is an absolute “big screen must-see.” A landmark of queer film when it was released in 1994, it has since managed to become both a cultural touchstone within that community and a mainstream cult-classic, its broad appeal appeal standing squarely on the shoulders of remarkable performances that bring to life a story that veers from hilarious, to sweet, to tender, and even into occasional (hilarious) filth.

The film follows three career drag queens (Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce) as they travel from Sydney to perform at a remote resort in the outback aboard their lavender tour bus, nicknamed “Priscilla.” The film is equal parts eye and ear candy; its gorgeous cinematography capturing the magical beauty of the Australian landscape underscored by killer dance tracks that are accessorized by the queens’ sparkling collection of drool-worthy outfits (that also garnered an Oscar for Best Costume).

#MusicMonday, July 28
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Stephan Elliot, 1994 / 104 mins / 18A) | Three drag queens travel across the Australian outback, making friends (and some foes) along the way.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

Two drag queens and a transgender woman contract to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs, a town in the remote Australian desert. As they head west from Sydney aboard their lavender bus, Priscilla, the three friends come to the forefront of a comedy of errors, encountering a number of strange characters, as well as incidents of homophobia, whilst widening comfort zones and finding new horizons.
  • Budget
    $2,000,000.00
  • Revenue
    $11,224,491.00
  • IMDB

About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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