If you are looking for an alternative to the usual festivities this Christmas, We Will Rock You thunders into the Theatre Royal for an extended run over the holidays- a jukebox musical inspired by Queen and the songs that defined a rock generation.
Almost two decades since its premiere, the 15th longest running West End Musical closed in 2012. However it has remained popular, delighting over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries all over the world in a show which echoes the band’s legendary live performances.
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Set in the year 2300, Global Soft Corporation have dominated the world, controlling their minds with their computer generated, over produced pop tracks. The strictly controlled generation are instructed how to act, how to dress and spend their lives addicted to the internet censored by the corporation.
All other forms of music are strictly forbidden and wiped from their memories, however a group of bohemian rock wannabes rebel against the regime and fight to bring rock n roll music back! Galileo has dreams and visions of the legend of rock music and sets out on a quest along with fellow Bohemian outcast Scaramouche to find the buried musical instrument and make sure that rock n roll is reborn once again.
We Will Rock You is a roller coaster ride of rock, punk, science-fiction and sing along tracks.
Written by award winning novelist and playwright Ben Elton, it is packed full of modern day cultural references, innuendos and sarcastic one-liners to ensure the audience are chuckling along throughout the show. The famously camp, jovial and at times laugh out loud script is overwhelmely driven by the incredible back catalogue of over 20 of the legendary songs from Queen’s extensive career.
With each stadium-volume track dazzling on stage, the audience forgive the occasional plot holes and weak links as they clap, stamp and sing-along to the well-known tracks as if they are at a live show. The beauty of the production is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, parodying rock and roll stereotypes, modern day pop princesses and the internet obsessed world that we now find ourselves living in.
In terms of staging, the animated video walls ensure the modern futuristic look of the show and provide the wow factor as it compliments the choreography and vocals on stage. The futuristic sci-fi costumes of the corporation clones is contrasted with the colour and individuality of the bohemian world full of studded belts, colourful dreadlocks and punk styles.
The strong casting is behind the success of the show with powerful vocals from each of the lead roles as they rock their way through iconic tracks such as Radio Ga Ga, Killer Queen, Headlong and Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
Olivier Award Nominated Ian McIntosh truly channelled the swagger and charisma of Freddie Mercury in the lead role of Galileo.
Freddie Mercury’s vocals are no easy feat to re-create however McIntosh’s powerhouse performances more than paid tribute to the late, great Mercury himself. His final performance of We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions brought the house down as the audience leapt to their feet in a standing ovation.
Elena Skye gave a stellar performance as Galileo’s partner in crime Scaramouche with her dry cynical wit, excellent comic timing and flawless vocals. Particularly impressive was her vocal range and performance of Somebody To Love.
Both were well supported on stage by a talented cast. Jenny O’Leary was suitably cast as the sassy and villainous Killer Queen who gave a diva-esque performance with some killer vocals. Ami Di Bartolomeo gave a touching performance of No One But You (Only the Good Die Young) which was a heartfelt tribute to the loss of Freddie Mercury as well as other rock stars who are no longer with us.
By the time the show closed with a special rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, the entire audience was cheering and singing along with the cast. The cast left the stage to thunderous applause that could rival a Wembley gig.
If you aren’t already a fan of Queen then you will be after this show. Limited tickets still available. Additional shows have been added running until Saturday 28th December.