We Will Rock You

I was delighted to return to The Brindley Theatre tonight for my second production of We Will Rock You in a week. This time, CODYS productions are back from a two-year hiatus with this smash hit Queen musical to entertain the audiences of the Northwest. First time director, Jake Liken’s vision for this show was delightful from the offset. The visuals and the pace were there throughout, and the storytelling was clear. I loved the overall feel for the production, such as the tone and the varying styles, and it was abundantly clear that the children on stage were having the BEST time!

If I was to be a little picky, (which, let’s face it – I am), I would’ve preferred there to be a little more tension throughout as it was a matter of life and death to save rock and roll. For me, the main cast were a little too laid back and not enough prominence or seriousness was brought to the forefront. This is entirely conjecture, however. The vocals and the visuals were a treat for the eyes and ears and the audience were thoroughly entertained from the start! I would also question some of the ending of songs and scenes in parts, but mostly the pace was high which helped with the overall storytelling. If this is the standard of Jake’s first time as director, then CODYS are in good hands for future productions!

Natasha Bill was back at the helm as choreographer. I really enjoyed the unison of the choreography which was in keeping with the style etc. There were times when I felt choreography was a little shoehorned into songs, such as the contemporary solo and when Oz ran over the backs of the ensemble in another number. I felt this was more to include the ensemble rather to aid the plot, however, when the choreography was used to layer songs etc – it was fab! I particularly loved the choreography for Another One Bites The Dust! I have to say, it’s clear a lot of hard work and dedication has gone into the rehearsal process. Every single cast member was on point with the choreography!

Laura Watson took on the role of Musical Director. As this was click tracks (thus not having a live band) it meant that the cast would have to be completely in time with the track, otherwise they would be out of time etc. It’s clear that the cast were very well drilled and not once did any cast member go wrong. I also loved the fact that we got to hear other voices from the ensemble cast, particularly during the encore. The voices of the singers were beautiful to listen to. Great use of harmonies throughout too and I loved the way in which the main cast were allowed to alter the ‘norm’ to make the song their own.

The lighting design was brilliant! I loved the lasers and laser effects which helped layer scenes and add to plot etc. I also loved the use of gobo’s which layers scenes also. The video wall and star cloth were effective in songs too. Well done to the lighting team for this brilliant design.

Music wise, there were no real issues. Personally, I would’ve preferred the mics to be a little louder (it’s rock music), especially the mic of Scaramouche as she was far too quiet at times.

I also really enjoyed the styling of the costumes! I particularly loved the costumes for Khashoggi, Oz and the ensemble cast for the Killer Queen. The dresses and styling for Another One Bites the Dust was particularly effective! Well done to Reggi Hennessey for your hard work!

The protagonist, Galileo was superbly played by Toby Holmes. Toby had the right amount of charisma and humour to portray this role. His voice was beautiful to listen to and he was very well cast in this role. I loved his stage presence and I felt totally at ease watching him – A fantastic performance!  

Galileo’s love interest (Scaramouche) was played by Olivia Hebden. I loved Olivia’s voice, it seemed so effortless. Personally, I wish that her version of Scaramouche wasn’t so laid back and played on the sarcastic wit and dry sense of humour a little more (as she has a lot of brilliant one liners). Saying that, Olivia was also well cast in this role and sang brilliantly throughout!

A lot of the lines were lost with Daniel Wilson’s ‘Buddy’ due to some slightly poor diction. I felt Daniel was slightly rushing his lines too. However, Daniel was suitably funny when he needed to be, and his comic timing was brilliant. I also loved his styling and his rapport with others on stage!

Isobel Green and Ewan Schooler were suitably camp and suitably evil as Killer Queen and her minion Khashoggi. I loved the styling from these two and both gave great light and shade to their performances. Both were able to display lovely vocals too and both were thoroughly entertaining! Great performances!

Isaac Hartill and India Poulaud were well cast as Brit and Oz too. Isaac gave us a lot of light-hearted moments whilst India sang effortlessly throughout! I totally believed that Brit and Oz were in love too! India Poulaud could sing the phone book and I would happily listen to it all day!

The rest of the ensemble cast were brilliantly drilled and very well-rehearsed. At times, I forgot that we were watching a youth production. As I mentioned before, it was great to hear solo voices from the ensemble crowd which goes to show that there is a lot of depth in this society – which bodes well for the future.

Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre. It was a pleasure to watch so many young faces having the time of their lives on stage, especially after what they’ve been through over the last two years! I sincerely thank CODYS productions for their hospitality (Gemma Thorniley) and wish them all the very best for their next production of Rock of Ages in September 2022!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.