Get ready for a musical set to the fantastic music of Queen!
We Will Rock You is a 2002 jukebox musical using the iconic music of Queen with a book from Ben Elton. The musical is set 300 years into the future on iPlanet (formerly known as Earth) being managed by the Globalsoft Corporation and the ruthless Killer Queen. On this planet, live music and instruments are banned. Two rebels, Galileo and Scaramouche decided to join the Bohemians to restore rock and roll. With iconic music, the musical has become extremely popular across the UK. This production was co-directed by Bethan Roscoe (who also co-directed Peter Pan earlier this year) and Callum Read, who has worked together very well: creating a strong musical. Roscoe and Read’s direction is fast-pacing, uplifting and entertaining which allowed the audience to be engaged throughout the show. Other creatives include Karen Read and Sam Vallerius are credited as co-producers, Bec George-Broom as musical director and Sian Websdale as choreographer. This whole team has created a fun, engaging show and should be proud.
The set is minimal, representing a stage which works very well for this show in particular. Towards the back of stage, a projector is used to help change the locations which works well. Websdale choreographer was a highlight of the production, with high energy dance numbers as well as smaller group numbers. I especially liked the robotic movements in ‘Radio Gaga’: leaning into the dictatorship of iPlanet. Costumes were heavily rock and roll themed and looked fantastic! We Will Rock You has lots of modern references which are really funny and this production embraces each one! George’s musical direction was strong and the band played each Queen number with confident, rock and roll energy. The lighting was very bold, similar to a rock concert. If you like Queen, this production is perfect for you!
This entire cast were having the most fun on stage and this was felt across the audience. The ensemble were able to mix between many costumes and play both rockers, as well as Globalsoft members. They’re able to harmonise in each song incredibly well and also dance high energy routines: really mixing both of these together skilfully. I hope they continue to have as much fun as the shows continue! James Irvine plays Buddy, a wise man who helps aid Galileo and Scaramouche’s quest. Irvine played the character with a quirky nature which was intriguing to watch.
Megan Catchpole plays Oz, a loyal member of the Bohemains. Oz has a solo in the first act called ‘No-One but You‘, which allowed Catchpole a moment to shine in this performance. Her vocals are stunning. James Myner plays Brit, a rebel attempting to bring back live music. Brit has a wild personality and Myner embodied this in the role. Myner and Catchpole’s relationship was also very strong, singing ‘I Want It All‘ duet together.
Simon Warren plays Khashoggi, the head of security at Globalsoft. Warren was in Anything Goes earlier this year and always has lots of energy in his performances. This role allowed him to explore a villain which he took in his pride. Zoe North plays Killer Queen, the leader of iPlanet. After seeing North play Rizzo last year in Grease, I knew she had a phenomenal voice which has been brought into this show too! Her vocals, especially during ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, were smashing.
Emma Seamarks plays Scaramouche, one of the main heroes who is a sharp-witted, gothic outcast: attempting to bring live music back! Seamarks stands out as having the stand out performance in this production. Everything from her dialogue, vocals, and demeanour were excellent for this role. Specifically, in ‘Somebody to Love‘, she had the audience captivated with her stellar vocals. Alex Bracey plays Galileo, one of the main heroes of the show who wants to bring back rock and roll. Bracey has fantastic vocals that we’ve heard in previous shows such as Jack and the Beanstalk: making him a ideal pick to play Galileo. In this show, he sings ‘We Are the Champions‘ incredibly well. His comedic moments also shine throughout the show.
We Will Rock You continues to play until Saturday 15th August. Don’t miss this production!
Tickets for this production were provided complimentary. Many thanks to the creative team and Marina Theatre, we wish you all the best! Book your tickets here!
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