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We Will Rock You the musical has rock ‘n’ rolled into town! And as a huge fan of Queen’s music, I was unsure of what to expect but it totally surprised me.
I had expected it to be a show about Queen itself, told through their songs in the same vein as ‘Beautiful’ and ‘The Cher Show’. But I was wrong.
This is a juke box musical that takes you on an ‘out of this world’ journey with the help of hits from the biggest selling album in UK charts history ‘Queens Greatest Hits collection’.
Don’t forget to read my review of The Cher Show and School of Rock
Welcome to the iplanet
A digital, soulless world ran by Global Soft Corporation. Where humans are deprived of personality, passion and individual thought. Think 1984 vibes. In this dystopian environment, which doesn’t seem to far from reality in terms of the time we all spend engrossed in our phones, rock ‘n’ roll music has been erased.
But as with all sci fi scenarios, there is a rebellion on the rise and a legend in the land. This underground society of ‘Bohemians’ scavenge as much music memorabilia as they can as well as junk that could be engineered into something that makes sound. They also talk of a prophet. A ‘dreamer’ who will find the ancient text and rebirth rock ‘n’ roll.
But who is this dreamer? And how will they escape the control of the Killer Queen and their wicked rule.
Fully entertained
I really enjoyed the science fiction inspired planet, and given Brian May’s degree in astronomy, I’m not surprised he’s chosen this space concept.
Yes, it was a little on the cheesy side but I was into that. The story itself was predictable but playful. The video work in the background was lacking, unless the 80s computer style was the aesthetic. It’s surface level stuff.
But wow is it fun.
The humour caught me off guard as I ended up laughing my socks off at the tongue in cheek comedy. I loved the constant innuendo and dialogue made up of all kinds of song lyrics. Michael Mckell as ‘Cliff’ was particularly fun to watch. I was fully entertained and that’s what Queen was superior at.
Record breaking music
Queen broke all the records so you’re sure to enjoy the score to We Will Rock You. ‘I Want to Break Free’, ‘The Show Must Go On’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Somebody to Love’ to name just a few!
And they really have found world leading vocalists for this production. Of course, they are no Freddie Mercury (who is!?) and the arrangements have been altered but they are mind blowing still.
Elena Skye as ‘Scaramouche’ with her deep, powerful tones and angsty, feminist attitude was electric on stage. Jenny O’Leary fully understood the assignment as the ‘Killer Queen’ and riffed the house down. I love to see inspirational women totally owning their talent.
I must admit, it seemed a missed opportunity to not use the live band more. Hidden behind the curtain 90% of the show was a little sad. I understand it wouldn’t have quite fit the narrative but maybe change that up a little and get them visually involved.
We Will Rock You is a blast!
Playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 10 September 2022.
IMAGE CREDIT: Johan Persson