We Will Rock You

I was delighted to be invited to Fortwilliam Musical Society’s Northern Ireland amateur premiere of We Will Rock You. From the moment I arrived, a warm welcome awaited me, and it was a genuine pleasure to meet some of the hardworking committee whose dedication and passion were clearly at the heart of this production.

Having never seen this show performed live before, I was excited to discover what director Laura Kerr, musical director Ciara Bowman and choreographer Michael McEvoy had created for this futuristic Queen-inspired musical set 300 years in the future and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. What unfolded was a vibrant, high-energy production packed with humour, spectacle, and heart.

The staging and stage management were highly effective, immersing the audience in a rock concert atmosphere from the outset. The band, positioned on a raised platform at the back of the stage, became an integral part of the production’s energy. Dramatic concert lighting, projections, and cleverly adaptable set pieces and props (including a Harley Davidson motorbike) were all used to great effect throughout, seamlessly transforming the stage from jail cells to the imposing throne of the Killer Queen. The production maintained strong pace and visual interest throughout, with every design element contributing to the futuristic world of the show.

The sound was well balanced, allowing the dialogue, harmonies, and iconic Queen score to shine clearly. The lighting design captured the essence of a live rock stadium performance, featuring dramatic lighting states and stunning colour washes.

The six-piece band were outstanding, delivering Queen’s legendary catalogue with precision, power, and infectious energy. Their performance drove the show beautifully and brought every musical number to life. Ben Elton’s comedic script was handled with confidence and excellent timing, with humour landing naturally throughout the evening. The audience participation moments were a particular highlight, creating a fantastic sense of connection between performers and audience and ensuring the production felt immersive, celebratory, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.

Vocally, the cast were consistently strong, tackling the demanding score with confidence and commitment. This was very much an ensemble production, showcasing the impressive range of talent within Fortwilliam Musical Society. The energy and enthusiasm radiating from the stage was infectious, and it was clear the cast were enjoying every moment of the performance.

The costumes, wigs and makeup added another layer of fun and personality to the production, featuring playful nods to iconic artists such as Boy George and Tina Turner. Costumes were partly hired from Utopia Costumes, resulting in a vibrant and visually cohesive style that perfectly complemented the themes in the show. 

Rory Jeffers (Galileo) took on the demanding, rebellious role with confidence and held the show together throughout. It was clear he relished the challenge, delivering a high-energy performance filled with passionate acting and powerful vocals. His interpretation even brought to mind a young James Corden.

Hannah Ferguson (Scaramouche) also embraced her rebellious character. She quickly established her defiant nature and clear passion for singing, making the role believable. Performing opposite Rory, the pair developed a strong and convincing chemistry, allowing their characters’ relationship to grow naturally.

Kelly Brown (Killer Queen) was the epitome of a controlling, cruel, no-inhibitions powerhouse. Her bold, uninhibited vocals and physical performance, drew plenty of reaction from the audience as she commanded the stage. 

Connor Polley (Brit) delivered impressive high kicks and showcased a strong rock voice. It was a shame his character was killed off so early in the production, as he brought great energy to the stage.

Mark Tilley (Khashoggi) gave a brilliantly sinister and commanding performance. His portrayal of the controlling villain was both menacing and engaging, complemented by an excellent vocal performance and a standout costume (reportedly sourced from M&S!).

Zoe Barr (Oz) embodied the rebellious rock chick with confidence and style. Her fierce performance was matched by equally strong vocals, making her a memorable presence on stage.

Michael Rose (Buddy) was a joy to watch. I loved his “hippy meets The Young Ones” interpretation—his comical, slightly confused delivery perfectly captured the eccentric guardian of the sacred musical texts. His storytelling moments, reminiscing about rock and roll, were particularly well delivered and added charm to the performance.

Dance ensemble and Bohemian - A precise opening number from the Ga Ga kids immediately set the tone for this energetic and engaging group of performers. The choreography was thoughtfully pitched to suit every ability, allowing each member of the cast to shine with confidence. The Bohemians may have portrayed a wonderfully chaotic band of rebels on stage, but there was nothing uncertain about commitment, and unity behind this performance. From the very first note to the final curtain call, the cast delivered a production bursting with heart, humour, energy, and personality, captivating the audience every step of the way. They should all hold their heads incredibly high.

The audience participation moments were unforgettable highlights of the night. The connection between cast and audience was undeniable, transforming the performance from a show into a shared celebration of music, theatre, and togetherness. Fortwilliam Musical Society should be immensely proud of this production. 

Thank you for such a warm welcome and for an unforgettable evening.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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