We Will Rock You

This was a performance that enhanced the reputations of all involved. The quality of music, the intensity of the characters with impressive ranges of voice and the sharpness of the choreography were first class.The atmospheric opening with lights searching an empty stage set the scene for a controlling far-in-the future environment where individuals were seen as rebels to be brainwashed, and worse, exterminated. On came a regulated host of cloned and wigged lookalikes, with their studied and robotic movements in Radio GaGa. Out of this emerges a hippie Galileo Figaro who had in his head snippets of words and sound that he was compelled to research. Joseph Young gave a sterling performance of this rebel with an impressive range of vocal ability. Every song, like I Want to Break Free was fully committed. He met up with a fellow rebel whom he named Scaramouche. In this down to earth role, Alanna White showed versatility, a powerful voice and an ability to time her lines for maximum effect and humour. They sang well together as in a moving Who Wants to Live Forever. For being different and thereby seen as a threat, they are punished but managed to escape to fall in with The Bohemians a splendid group of rebels fronted by fine voiced Ryan Griffin as Brit. His athleticism and energy was a joy to watch. He was well matched by Caitlin Finnigan as Oz whose ‘rock’ voice and fierce in your face personality helped to defy the suppression of music. (His kilt and her nets almost became characters too). On the controlling side there was David Garrard presenting a cold, menacing Khashoggi who would track down and torture the rebels almost decimating the Bohemians. His boss was The Killer Queen majestically played by Lesley Kettles. She was absolutely ruthless in banning musical instruments and punishing Kashoggi for failing to stop the rot, revelling in a well delivered Another One Bites The Dust - with black costumed dancers enhancing the number. Meanwhile Will Spears as Buddy the searcher and preserver of music created an earthy character with well delivered lines - and bike humour - along with powerful voice. The whole cast was committed. The costumes all hit the spot emphasising the different philosophies of the groups. The staging and the lighting were effective. The choreography for the Gaga Girls and Yuppie Dancers and whole numbers was disciplined, crisp and in keeping with the futuristic scenario. But the music was the jewel in the crown. Queen’s music, amplified and under excellent direction, with fabulous and recognised guitar playing, brought the theatre alight. An amazing evening.

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