Young actors Oliver Pearce and Dylan Williams from Llandudno are delighted to be sharing the role of Benji in the UK Tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical, when it heads to the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, from September 25 to 29.

Oliver and Dylan landed the part after attending an audition with the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), whose exclusive agency for children and young performers, Quirky Kidz Creative Management, is the official children’s Casting Director and Child Management team for the show. There will be 54 boys playing Benji throughout the UK tour. They have the exciting opportunity to work closely with a professional cast including star of stage and screen, Joe McFadden.

Both Oliver and Dylan train at weekends at PQA Llandudno, where they take classes in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television.

Nime-year-old Oliver attends Ysgol y Plas in Llanelian. Oliver said: “When I found out I had got the role, I was so excited… I couldn't believe it! I have really enjoyed going to London for auditions and rehearsals. It's been great working with Joe MacFadden and Jason Donovan and all the others, and I have learnt lots about working in the theatre.”

Oliver’s mother, Nicola Pearce, added: “Dylan absolutely loves all of his acting, singing and music and this has been a wonderful opportunity for him. Oliver just loves attending his PQA every Saturday. We are all very proud of him and all the hard work that he has put in!”

10-year-old Dylan attends Ysgol Llywelyn in Rhyl. Dylan said: “I love acting, singing and dancing and I can’t wait for the shows. I am really happy and grateful for being picked to do it. I want to thank my PQA Principal April for believing in me.”

Dylan’s mother, Helen Williams, added: “Dylan is such a lucky boy to have this amazing opportunity. We are so proud of him and excited about seeing him in his first big show after performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End in June with PQA.”

Kristie Sicolo, Head of Quirky Kidz Creative Management, said: “We’re really excited for Oliver and Dylan to be performing in this hit UK Tour. It’s a brilliant production with a great cast and crew. Benji is a lovely role for the boys to take on. We wish them lots of luck!”

Based on the Oscar-winning film, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

For details of the tour, visit: https://priscillauktour.com/tour-dates/.