We Will Rock You

There is something about this show that brings out the best in a company. The cast delighted with their harmonised singing, interpretation of character and precision of movement. From an eerie opening with sounds that foresaw danger, and, looking at an empty ramped stage with scaffolding-like towers at each side, the futuristic feel was evident. Factor in the robotic movements of young students in identical costumes and colourful wigs contrasted with the unconventional dress of two students which set them apart, and the audience were already on the rebels’ side. They were caught in a society that demanded uniformity in behaviour and in music and which tracked and punished those who did not conform. In the leading role of Galileo Figaro, Joshua Fleming brought energy and freshness and, in his struggles to interpret his dreams of music, caught the audience’s sympathy with his air of vulnerability. He was well matched with Lynsey Craig as Scaramouche, ably interpreting the role of the practical computer expert with well-timed and comedic ripostes. Their strong young voices in duets resonated in I Want To Break Free, Under Pressure and Hammer To Fall. In the rebel group of Bohemians, they found kindred spirits with its leading lights. Jamie McArthur made his his mark as the engaging and vigorous Brit. He gelled with Sophe Fairgrieve a well-characterised Oz demonstrating a fine voice in No One But You. And all four delivered a wonderful Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Then there was Buddy, the likeable friendly Bohemian with nuanced delivery, played and sung so capably by Stewart Borthwick. On the baddy side, Iain Davidson powered as Khashoggi who revelled in exterminating rebels. He basked in the approval of The Killer Queen but got his come comeuppance for allowing two rebels to escape. Tracy Allan strode confidently forward as the Killer Queen, in one of her best roles, delighting in eliminating her henchman. Their number together A Kind of Magic exuded confidence then later she relished her solo Another One Bites the Dust which was so chilling. Along with the principals, the chorus, often grouped in tableau around and above, delivered all these well known songs where notes were clean and diction was clear. This was a confident and successfully directed show. It was effectively lit and amplification judicious. The choreography was sharp and clean and clever from the regimented Radio Gaga movements to the menace of Kashoggi’s disposal. Under the guidance of Jan Cunningham, whose last year as MD this is, the hard worked musicians brought the company to new heights. This was a marvellous performance which delighted all who watched.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.