Rock and roll is landing at Dereham Memorial Hall, with Dereham Theatre’s Company’s Production of We Will Rock You! Dereham Theatre Company (DTCo) are a fantastic group, putting together a variety of productions including musicals and pantomimes (we were huge fans of Jack and the Beanstalk in 2025!). We got the chance to find out more about their upcoming production of We Will Rock You through a Q & A with the cast. Learn more below:
1. What are the biggest things about We Will Rock You that you think will resonate with audiences?
This juke box Queen musical stood the test of time in the West End due to Queen’s enduring legacy. This year marked Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday, so we invite anyone who didn’t get the chance to see the band live during his lifetime, to come and celebrate with us.
2. I know it takes a lot to put together a production from start to finish. What has been one of the most rewarding parts of developing this one?
DTCo has always taken pride in its production values and this year we are working with a fantastic video wall and digital scenery, which combined with our amazing costumes, props, wigs and make up, mean this show is going to not only sound incredible, but be a visual spectacle too.
3. Do you have a favourite scene or moment from the show?
This show is a wild, futuristic ride, but nothing compares to the poignancy of the start of the final musical number.
Sophie Blanks – DTCo Chair
4. Galileo is a character who feels different from everyone around him. What do you think makes Galileo special, and what has it been like bringing him to life?
What makes Galileo special is that he doesn’t really fit in, but he is brave enough to question why. He’s a bit of a dreamer, ok, a lot of a dreamer, he’s stubborn and he’s passionate about music even though he doesn’t always understand where that comes from.
Bringing him to life has been so much fun because he goes through a real journey in the space of a 2 hour show. He starts off feeling like an outsider but gradually realises that being different is what makes him special. I think that’s something a lot of us can relate to in every day life. And hey, I get to sing Queen songs, so that can only ever be fun!
CJ Carroll as Galileo
5. Scaramouche joins the fight against Globalsoft who suppress individually. What does she bring to the story, and how did you go about bringing that to the stage?
Scaramouche brings a sense of individuality; rebellion and humour to the show. Globalsoft is trying to strip the world of creativity and make everyone comform to their rules, so she also represents someone who stands up for herself and refuses to fit society’s mould. As well as this, she has a lot of confidence in herself and uses her sarcasm and wit to challenge the system and other characters within the story. I aimed to bring her to life by making her feel authentic and real by exploring her dry sense of humour and attitude but also working to show her vulnerable side underneath her hard, comedic exterior, which I have had a lot of fun doing! I have also been working a lot alongside our Galileo to ensure their relationship feels genuine by balancing their arguments and humour with moments of genuine care and understanding for one another.
Imogen Addison as Scaramouche
6. Khashoggi is a powerful character who has to maintain control in a very chaotic world. What have you enjoyed most about exploring this character?
Khashoggi is Killer Queen’s second in command and rules Globalsoft’s police force. She maintains power with an iron grip but quickly crumbles when Killer Queen turns against her. I’ve most enjoyed exploring the manner with which she treats people with utter ruthlessness, enjoying their suffering, but then gets her come-uppance when the tables are turned on her.
Corinna Willmoth as Khashoggi
7. Brit is part of the Bohemians and helps Galileo and Scaramouche on their journey. What do you think Brit brings to the group, and what has your favourite moment been so far?
Brit brings a huge sense of strength and determination and he’s very passionate about reviving rock and roll and refuses to give up in what he believes in. He’s incredibly loyal and protective to the Bohemians, always wanting to keep his people safe and fighting for their freedom. Brit is selfless and will always put others first. Through exploring his relationship with Meat, we get to see a softer and caring nature to the Brit – showing a more vulnerable side underneath the tough exterior.
My favourite moment has been having the opportunity to explore the different sides to Brit and bring this wonderful character to life. Taking the foundations of the character that everyone knows whilst adding my own interpretation has been very exciting! I have so much fun performing this role. In terms of specific moment in the show, my favourite part is “I want it all” as it is a high energy number which shows off Brit and Meats passion for reviving rock and roll and allows us to invite the audience into our journey.
Ryan Standing as Brit
8. Meat is passionate, confident and fiercely loyal to the Bohemians. What do you love most about Meat, and is there a particular scene or song you can’t wait for the audience to see?
What I love most about Meat is that, in such a short amount of time, you get to see so many different sides of her. She’s incredibly protective of the Bohemians’ stronghold, she genuinely cares about the people around her, and she’s determined to help find the Dreamer, but she also knows how to have a lot of fun along the way!
I can’t wait for the audience to see Crazy Little Thing Called Love. It’s such a fun, high-energy number at the end of Act 1, and it’s one of those moments where the whole cast comes together, lets loose and really enjoys themselves. I think the audience are going to love it!
Charlotte Caldwell as Meat
We Will Rock You opens at Dereham Memorial Hall from 29 September to 3 October. Many thanks to the cast and crew for answering our questions, and we look forward to this production. Book your tickets now!
Chris.
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