We Will Rock You

When you combine the music of Queen along with the vision of the Manor Operatic production team then add a multi talent cast and you know you are about to witness something special and that is exactly what we saw. A strange concept of a world globalised where there are no musical instruments, many people are cloned having no real use of their own imagination, but instead all wearing the same clothes like uniforms, the same hair and often the same movements. However, a handful of rock rebels strive to return to a previous world, a world they can only conceive by finding odd relics in old buildings, pieces of paper, old posters and one person who continually hears voices in his head, not simply idle words but songs titles and song words from the iconic group Queen.

The set was brilliantly constructed emulating a rock concert venue with two sets of steel rigging along with projected scenes, lighting and general visual effects quite outstanding. Manor gives everything and more with this no expense spared production, as I have the privilege of seeing so many local productions just occasionally, I watch and find myself totally in awe of the standard achieved, whilst there are so many really good ones, some reach another level, this is one such production.  From the very beginning opening with the ultra-disciplined company performing Radio Gaga with almost robot style dance movement and uniformity. The togetherness was excellent. The multitudes under the command of The Globalsoft Company strove to avoid The Bohemians finding their holy grail.

Linda Kelly and Richard Bradford along with Andy Collis and Emily Mae Hoyland bring every aspect of this musical to life, excellent shaping through ever group number, singing of the highest order and quite excellent acting portraying every emotion through performance or delivery through music. Galileo Figaro performed by Dylan Lambert along with Scaramouche performed by Emily Huddleston, two powerful performers with excellent stage presence brought such stage chemistry to their relationship showing every aspect of emotion through falling in and out of love, their duets of ‘ I Want To Break Free’ and ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ totally absorbing. Killer Queen performed by Emily McGeoch the all-powerful leader who really knew how to hold an audience with such powerful singing and along with her assistant Khashoggi performed by Chris Hanlon, the devilish Columbo style commander formed a formidable partnership with the excellent delivery of the duet‘ A Kind Of Magic’ and ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ to name but two. Brit performed by Stuart Daniel Box and Oz performed by Katie Dolling. What a great partnership you made with quite outlandish scenes, bucket loads of inuendo, physical theatre without inhibition. Your duet of ‘I Want It All ‘was really moving. Buddy performed by Gary Rossiter. What a totally convincing role. You certainly made it your own with excellent timing and delivery. Your persona and stage presence along with your controlled singing of ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives. Totally moving. Teacher by Sarah Sargent another very competent and clearly delivered performance. This whole musical was totally immersive as every actor shone, be it for small cameo moments, group involvement during scenes in the Bohemians den, and during the many ensemble dance numbers. So special to see every cast member really enjoying their involvement. The Bohemians must have delighted in the freedom of providing their own individual and totally wild costumes. My compliments go to all the unsung team, backstage, costume and props, sets and set movement without whom you have no show at all.

Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality received. If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you have two more opportunities to see this home bred excellent company’s production of ‘We Will Rock You’ and Rock us all you certainly did as the audience stood clapped and joined in with the finale of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Philip Smith

Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep

 

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