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West End musical dragged into gender row over casting man in trans role

Miles Western (centre) has been controversially cast as Bernedette Bassinger in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Miles Western (centre) has been controversially cast as Bernedette Bassinger in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

A musical once held in the West End has become embroiled in a row with trans campaigners after a man was hired to play a transgender character.

Producers of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert have defended the decision to cast Miles Western as Bernadette Bassenger, a former drag queen portrayed by Terence Stamp in the comedy film.

The move prompted five transgender and non-binary theatremakers to call for venues across the UK to boycott the production when it returns to theatres in June ahead of a hopeful bid to return to London's West End.

In a letter published online, critics said: “If you are a cisgender actor who is playing trans, ask yourself why you’re OK with taking a role that a transgender actor will never be offered. We are apparently not talented or skilled enough to play ourselves, so what makes you good enough to play us?

“If you are a venue supporting these shows, turn them away.”

It was written by writer Nemo Martin and composer Meg McGrady and signed by writer and performer Tabby Lamb, composer Robin Simões da Silva, and composer and writer Jude Taylor.

Critics claim Mr Western's role (left) should have been handed to a trans actor
Critics claim Mr Western's role (left) should have been handed to a trans actor

Producers Mark Goucher and Jason Donovan, who performed the role of Anthony 'Tick' Belrose when the production made its West End debut, said they encouraged transgender performers to attend open auditions after the pandemic delayed production.

“We believe that inclusivity extends to all members of the company and that all roles are open to everyone,” they said.

“With that principle we believe we have cast the very best performers to portray all the parts in this glorious show which centres its themes about inclusion, acceptance and tolerance.”

They added: “As producers we are very happy with our casting process and the excellent talented performers we have engaged for our production.”

The musical tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman travelling in Australia to perform a drag show.

It is based on the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and opened in London’s West End in 2009.

 Sydney, AUSTRALIA: Terence Stamp (L) who played the original character Bernadette in the film version of "Priscilla Queen of the Desert", presents in Sydney, 05 October 2006, a silver high-heel drag stiletto to Tony Sheldon (R) who plays Bernadette in the stage production. Priscilla, which has its world premiere in Sydney on 07 October, tells the funny and moving story of three drag queens who find themselves like fish out of water when they head west across the desert from Sydney to fulfil a performance engagement in Alice Springs. AFP PHOTO/Greg WOOD (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images) - GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

After the show held open auditions this year actor Allie Daniel was cast in an ensemble role and as the Bernadette understudy.

Before the production delay forced change Daniel’s role was held by a non-transgender female actor.

The producers said: “We chose Allie not because she was a transgender performer but because she was the best actor for the role.”

In January, Russell T Davis, creator of the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin, said he cast gay actors in gay roles to get “authenticity” as well as “revenge for 100 years of straight-washing”.

In 2018, Scarlett Johansson dropped out of production of the film Rub & Tug, in which she would have played transgender character, after criticism from members of the trans community.

She said at the time: “Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realise it was insensitive.”

Last year it was reported that the planned film would instead be a TV show, with producers “committed” to hiring a transgender actor to replace Johansson.