We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You is a dedicated tribute to all the crowd-pleasing Queen songs and those not sung are referenced in the script along with other song titles for singers and groups. Ben Elton who was approached to write this uses other singers as cast members and often being gender blind. This juke box musical takes us on a journey of the oppressed called the Bohemians fighting the corporation Globalsoft. With nods to Queen’s passionate lyrics in the script and barbaric undertones We Will Rock You tenuously tells the story while the songs stand strong.

Louise Cohen directs and it’s clear she had a handle on it with various hats on – Louise, not one to sit back, steers the production with ease. Walking into the theatre we are met with a bare stage and large screen at the back with raised platform along the back and stairs Stage Left all blending into the set. Railings were brought on, a van with bed, motorbike and various other bits to help set the scenes. Set Design Louise Cohen, Alan Dodd and Simon White. Set Construction was Simon White, Drew Hogben, Dave Matthews, Alan Dodd and Ian Heyes. Stage Manager Drew Hogben. The Technical aspect played a large part in this show.  With projection used to the full and to show the demise of The Killer Queen, also words on to help move the show on. Media and Projection Design Lousie Cohen. With gobos, moving gobos and lighting this was used to full effect - often blinding the audience for a second and at times spectacular. Lighting and Sound design by Alan Dodd, Louise Cohen and Emily Cohen. Lighting, Sound and Media Operation was Louise Cohen, Alan Dodd and Emily Cohen. Follow Spot Operators were Janice White and Wendie Dodd.

Costumes looked good and fitting for each individual character, costumes by CATS Youth Theatre, Cast and Janet Hardman.  Emily Cohen is Choreographer and moves the large cast around the stage with ease and in keeping with the style of the piece. It’s fair to say Queen songs are difficult to sing and the cast handled it well under the guidance of Musical Director Louise Cohen with Guest Conductor David Wilson and a live band.

With a cast of 40, CATS Youth Theatre once again provides a platform for the youth of Bolton to shine and come together as one. The Ensemble was strong and supportive of the story.

Matty Gilkey was Boy George. James Burke Was AC/DC. William Broome was Katy Perry Lady Gaga. Honey Timperley played David Bowie and a teacher who worked for Globalsoft.

The four Teen Queens were strong and effective and worked well together played by Evie Sheppard who also took on Mick Jagger, Nona Marsden who also took on White Snake, Isabella Gerner who also took on Tina Turner and Summer Callow who also took on Cindy Lauper.

Jake Little takes on the role of Brit who leads the Bohemians and supports Galileo unfortunately ending in his demise. One of his oppressors is the Killer Queen played by Lily Moro. Lily strutted her stuff and played the dominating leader again ending in her demise working well with Tom Clancy playing Khashoggi. Lording it over the Bohemians he is in turn treated badly by the Killer Queen. Giving us Seven Seas of Rye with appropriate lyrics for his character. Well played, looking every inch the minder type character in suit with black coat and dark glasses. Mia Arnold played Oz, bringing the energy and rebelliousness. Mia’s voice certainly suited this style of singing. Bringing the lyrics to life in I Want It All with Jake Little and No One But You (Only The Good Die Young). Good characterisation. Lewis Cunliffe takes on the role of Buddy and certainly brings the comedy. With his gruff voice and demeanour Buddy leads the fight against the Globalsoft. Lewis as Buddy gave us These Are The Days Of Our Lives. Fun Character to watch. Lauren Quigley plays Scaramouche the confident intelligent woman - she stands up for what she believes in and is not afraid to say what thinks. Her sarcastic wit makes her a challenging character that Lauren steps up to and she works well with Ethan Sheppard who takes on the lead role of Galileo Figaro. Singing Under Pressure, Hammer to Fall and a highlight for me Who Wants To Live Forever. Ethan is fast developing into an all-round actor and takes on the role of Galileo with ease, leading We Are The Champions. Ethan gave us a well-rounded character.

The encore of Bohemian Rhapsody was a real treat at the end and all on stage gave their all to the delight of the packed audience. Thank you so much for the invite and hospitality from Craig and I.  

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep.

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