We Will Rock You

There was a simple set with posters and memorabilia on each side downstage and a screen centre back, a raised area and lighting towers on show. There was a well chosen array of images such as moving road scenes used on the screen as required, but I particularly liked the images of various pop stars who had passed away, during ‘ No-one but You’. The inclusion of Liam from One Direction was particularly poignant. The stage crew moved swiftly and efficiently to bring in various items and were very unobtrusive. This was very well done.

Lighting was very fitting for the concert vibe of this show, with moving lights in strong colours. Costumes were fabulous, especially the black and white outfits and the ensemble in silver with silver wigs and various headdresses. Bohemians had a terrific assortment of outfits to reflect the 60s, 70s etc. This was a very strong show visually thanks to the considerable efforts of the production and backstage teams.

Galileo (Will) gave a good performance. To sing such vocally challenging music from the moment you step onto the stage is a big ask and he rose to the challenge magnificently. All of the songs are very well known, very high and largely unsupported by the backing track, so he did an excellent job. He also acted well and had a good energy.

Scaramouche (Grace) had a powerful voice and coped well with the fact that most of the songs are written for male voice. She was also a strong performer, a good actress and had plenty of attitude for this feisty character.

Killer Queen (Isla) was full of sass and sang well. She also had great high kicks and splits and was another very strong performer. Well done.

Khashoggi (Alfie) was a characterful performer with an excellent singing voice. He also looked great in his matrix style costume and sun glasses; very cool!

I loved Brit’s ninja moves and Leo had a great energy which suited this enigmatic character well.

Oz (Amelie) delivered some great vocals and gave a confident acting performance too.

Buddy (Frank) had the laid back 60’s vibe which worked well for his comedy lines.

I loved the 6 dancers (3 boys 3 girls) in black and white who accompanied Khashoggi. This was a very tight group with some nice pictures and well executed dance moves. Choreography by Eloise was very impressive, with imaginative step sequences and powerful arm movements. She had obviously worked extremely hard to rehearse such a big group and with so many songs to create dances for. I particularly liked the matrix style moves and appreciated the precise straight lines.

This is a vocally challenging show for any age group with so many iconic and well-known rock anthems to perform. The young cast had clearly been well rehearsed by their musical director, David, but the backing track didn’t particularly help them and there were moments when we couldn’t hear the lyrics to the songs. However, overall this was a secure, committed and enjoyable musical performance. 

I wouldn’t have said that it is a particularly strong script by Ben Elton, but the young cast had a ball! They had great energy and got the whole audience clapping along. This was well directed by Dora. A pacy performance which was very much enjoyed by the large audience. Congratulations to all involved.

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