We Will Rock You

I was beyond excited to be reporting on this production on Mike’s behalf. Having kept a close eye on We Will Rock You since it was released for amateur rights, I was absolutely delighted to see WODS Musical Theatre Company secure the licence. What unfolded on that stage was nothing short of a masterpiece of musical theatre at the very highest level and further reinforced my belief that there is often only the finest of lines between amateur and professional theatre.

For those unfamiliar with the show, We Will Rock You is set in a dystopian future where individuality, creativity, and live music have been eradicated by the all-powerful Globalsoft Corporation. Through the iconic music of Queen, the story follows a group of rebels determined to restore freedom, identity, and rock music to the world. Packed with humour, energy, and some of the most recognisable songs ever written, it presents a unique challenge for any company bold enough to tackle it.

Entering the auditorium, the energy from the audience was electric. There was a genuine buzz in the air, a palpable excitement for the performance ahead. I am sure you felt that anticipation backstage because it rippled throughout the venue and undoubtedly fed directly into the performance that followed.

I was instantly impressed by the projection design, not fully realising at that stage just how impactful it would prove to be throughout the evening. It added tremendous depth to the staging and became an integral part of the storytelling, enhancing both atmosphere and scale in a remarkably effective way.

The opening off-stage vocals quite literally sent chills down the spine. From that moment alone, it was clear that we were in for something very special. The sets were flawless throughout, with an impeccable attention to creative detail. Every design choice served the world of the show perfectly, creating an atmosphere that was both immersive and visually stunning. I must also commend the inspired decision to position the band on stage rather than hidden away in the pit. This added another dimension to the performance and ensured that the musicians became part of the theatrical experience itself.

Audience engagement was exceptional from beginning to end. Iconic numbers such as “I Want It All,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” all landed magnificently within the space. For me, however, two songs stood above even those remarkable highlights. “Who Wants to Live Forever” was beautifully delivered, whilst “No One But You” was simply sensational, with Oz delivering what I can only describe as a vocal masterpiece.

As Act One drew to a close, the audience sat in awe of what they had witnessed, little realising that Act Two would prove every bit as strong – if not stronger. The pacing throughout the entire production was exemplary. Not once did momentum drop or even threaten to dip. Scene after scene and hit after hit, you landed knockout blow after knockout blow in what I can only describe as an outstanding piece of theatre.

Quite simply, WODS delivered the theatrical equivalent of a slam dunk!

 

 

Technical effects

The technical elements of this production were among the strongest I have seen in a very long time. Every aspect of the lighting design was superbly executed, supporting the already exceptional set design and helping to create a world that felt both immersive and visually spectacular. The combination of lighting, projection, and staging worked seamlessly together to enhance the storytelling and elevate the production to another level.

 

Sound quality was exactly that – quality. Vocals, band, and dialogue were balanced extremely well throughout the performance. Whilst there were one or two microphone cues that were missed during the early stages of the show, these were quickly resolved and had little impact overall, particularly as Act Two progressed flawlessly from a technical standpoint.

 

I must also congratulate Abi and the team responsible for the costumes and props. Every element felt purposeful and carefully considered, adding further depth and authenticity to the world you had created. Nothing felt out of place; instead, each costume and prop contributed to the overall scale, atmosphere, and weight of the production. Collectively, this was an outstanding technical achievement and one that played a huge role in the success of the evening.

 

Musical Director

It is impossible to discuss the musical direction of this production without first recognising the enormity of the task. The music of Queen is among the most iconic ever written and bringing it successfully to the stage is no mean feat. Not only are the songs instantly recognisable to audiences, but they also demand exceptional vocal ability, musicianship, and confidence from everyone involved.

I am delighted to say that this production landed that challenge brilliantly. Every vocal performance was strong, clear, and rose admirably to the demands of a score packed with notoriously difficult material. The late Freddie Mercury possessed an almost supernatural vocal range, making many of these songs daunting even for experienced performers. Yet every number not only landed successfully but often appeared effortless in its delivery.

What impressed me was the consistency throughout. From the powerhouse ensemble numbers to the more emotional and intimate moments, there was never a sense that performers were battling the material. Instead, the score was delivered with confidence, control, and genuine enjoyment. This was a very strong piece of musical direction.

Choreographer

The choreography was strong throughout the entire production and, most importantly, it consistently supported both the vocals and the storytelling rather than competing with them. This is an easy balance to get wrong, particularly in a show of this scale where there can be temptation to continually push for bigger and bigger moments. However, that was never a concern here.

I was incredibly impressed with how well the movement was tailored to the strengths of the company. Every sequence felt purposeful and naturally integrated into the narrative, enhancing the energy of the show without ever distracting from it. Despite the size of the cast and the demands of the staging, not once did the stage feel cramped or overcrowded. Instead, the movement flowed effortlessly and contributed significantly to the pace, atmosphere, and visual impact of the production. A very strong piece of choreography that complimented the show perfectly.

Galileo 

This was a very strong performance from start to finish. You immediately established Galileo’s quirky personality and infectious energy, creating a character that the audience could invest in from the outset. Your comedy timing was excellent, allowing many of the show’s lighter moments to land more naturally, whilst your stage presence ensured you remained at the heart of the action.

Vocally, you rose superbly to the challenge of this demanding score. The music of Queen is unforgiving at the best of times, yet you delivered each number with confidence and control. A terrific leading performance.

Scaramouche 

This was a superb performance, both dramatically and vocally. From the outset, you brought confidence and authenticity to the role that made Scaramouche instantly believable, whilst your characterisation provided an important grounding and balance to the story around you.

Vocally, you were an absolute powerhouse! Time and time again, you rose to the challenge, delivering each number with passion, confidence, and remarkable control. The audience could feel the emotion and energy behind every performance, and you consistently commanded attention whenever you took to the stage. This was a truly fantastic performance.

Brit

One of the first things that stood out about your performance was your excellent stage presence. You carried yourself with confidence throughout and ensured that whenever you were on stage, you remained an engaging and important part of the action. Vocally, you were spot on, delivering your musical moments with assurance and quality.

Your chemistry with the other principal characters worked extremely well and helped strengthen many of the relationships within the story. Having learned of your forthcoming journey to the Guilford School of Acting, I have little doubt that you have an exciting future ahead of you. I wish you every success in the next chapter of your theatrical journey.

Oz 

As I have already highlighted earlier in this review, you delivered one of the vocal standout performances of the entire evening. “No One But You” was simply sensational and provided one of those special theatrical moments where the audience becomes completely absorbed in what is unfolding before them.

Beyond the vocals, you gave a thoroughly convincing and engaging performance, bringing real heart and sincerity to the role. Your stage presence, characterisation, and musical delivery combined beautifully, resulting in a performance that was memorable and impactful.

Buddy 

For me, you were the comedy standout of the entire production. Every incorrectly pronounced word landed perfectly, and I can safely say that I shall never refer to a videotape in quite the same way ever again! Your comic timing was exceptional throughout, and you had the audience hanging on your every word whenever you appeared on stage.

Beyond the comedy, however, I found your vocals to be some of the most enjoyable of the evening. You possess a beautifully rich tone to your voice, which brought real warmth and sincerity to the role. This was a truly memorable performance.

Killer Queen 

Something tells me you enjoyed this role! From the moment you stepped onto the stage, you completely owned it. This was a flawless portrayal of a wonderfully larger-than-life villain, and you embraced every ounce of her power, arrogance, and presence with confidence.

Vocally, you were simply sensational. What a range you possess! Time and again, you delivered powerhouse performances that left a lasting impression on the audience. Add to that the sheer command you demonstrated whilst performing in those heels, and it became all the more impressive. This was a star performance in every sense of the word.

Khashoggi 

One of the strongest aspects of your performance was the way you balanced menace and comedy so effectively. It would have been easy to lean too heavily into one of the other, but you judged the character brilliantly, creating someone who was both intimidating and entertaining in equal measure.

You more than held your own amongst a cast packed with strong performances and brought great presence to every scene in which you appeared. Add to that some excellent vocals throughout, and this resulted in a thoroughly enjoyable and well-rounded portrayal.

Ensemble

What a superb supporting company you all were. From the villainous dancers to the wonderfully comic Yuppies and Gaga Kids (and a special nod for the impressively smooth removal of the rogue wig!), through to the singers, Teen Queens, teachers, policemen, doctors, and every other character that populated this futuristic world, each and every one of you played an important role in bringing the production to life.

As those who read my reviews will know, I firmly believe that the ensemble is the backbone of any production, and this was a shining example of that. You provided incredible visual depth to every scene you appeared in, ensuring the stage always felt alive and populated with believable characters. What impressed me most was the commitment shown throughout. Every performer had clearly developed an individual character and maintained that character consistently from beginning to end. The result was an ensemble that not only supported the principals superbly but became a major strength of the production in its own right. Outstanding work form all involved.

Director 

Taking on We Will Rock You is a bold decision for any company. The show demands exceptional vocals, relentless energy, intricate technical execution, strong characterisation, and the ability to sustain momentum across a score packed with some of the most iconic songs ever written. It is therefore a real testament to your vision and leadership that this production succeeded on every level.

What I loved most was the complete confidence of the production. From the moment the opening vocals rang out, there was never any sense of uncertainty. Every creative decision felt deliberate and purposeful, from the inspired use of projection and the decision to place the band on stage, through to the pacing, character work, and a momentum that never once faltered, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the world you had created.

The strength of the principal performances was matched by an outstanding ensemble and supported by technical elements that were among the strongest I have seen. Importantly, however, none of these aspects felt isolated from one another. Instead, every department worked in harmony to create a production that was greater than the sum of its parts. That cohesion is often the hallmark of excellent direction, and it was evident throughout the evening.

As I reflected on the production afterwards, one thing became abundantly clear: this was theatre performed at an exceptionally high level. The audience reaction throughout spoke volumes, and the standing ovation at the conclusion felt entirely deserved. The atmosphere within the auditorium was electric from start to finish, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they achieved.

Having had the privilege of seeing many productions across the South West this year, I do not make this statement lightly when I say that this may well be the finest production I have seen so far. Furthermore, this is undoubtedly the strongest production I have seen from WODS Musical Theatre Company for several years. Every element came together to create something truly special.

Thank you once again for your warm hospitality and for allowing me the opportunity to experience such an outstanding evening of theatre. This was a production packed with talent, ambition, energy, and heart.

Quite simply, WODS did not just perform We Will Rock You – you owned it!

See you all again soon, with lots of love.

Stephen Fudge

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