We Will Rock You

LIDOS presented an electrifying and wonderfully dynamic production of “We Will Rock You” at The Carriageworks Theatre Leeds. Ultimately, this was a fun, lively and visually impressive production. It may not rely on a deeply complex narrative, with a story written tongue in cheek by Ben Elton, but what it delivered instead was something special. This was a joyful, high-energy celebration of music by Queen. In every respect this production stood as a triumphant tribute with remarkable musicality, a super talented cast working with a highly skilled creative team, which left the audience energised, uplifted and thoroughly entertained.

The LIDOS production team – Director, Emma Shortall, Musical Director, Robert Massa-Sanders, choreographers, Emma Tempest and Donna Wells, and, stage manager Paul Harding, lighting designed and operated by Adam Moore and sound & AV design, Chris Beardwell should be applauded for their collective “One Vision” in bringing this show to the stage.

We Will Rock You is about the fun and freedom of rock ’n’ roll. The story is bizarre and at times brilliantly bonkers, just like the lyrics of Bohemian Rhapsody. It's built around the triumph not only of good over evil, like most musicals, but in this story traditional values over technological domination. Tight direction by Director Emma Shortall ensured that every last drop of humour was wrung out of this dizzyingly silly script, which must have been an enormous task, but she nailed it, making sure that it was enormous fun for all.

Creating live theatre based on songs and vocal performances that so many people know and love so well must be a daunting task, but Musical Director, Robert Massa-Sanders is a musical genius and works with such passion and energy, it was inevitable that this would be “A Kind of Magic.”

One of the standout features of the night was the live band featuring Jake Fowler, Tom Mawson, Oliver Hamilton, Florin Werner, James Hedgecock and Robert Massa-Sanders, with the on-stage solo performance of guitarist Tom Houghton adding a powerful and memorable touch. The music of Queen is the heart of this show and hearing it performed live added a richness and energy that lifted every moment, giving the production a real rock concert-like edge. They captured the iconic sound of Queen whilst allowing the performers’ individual voices to shine.

Inventive choreography by Emma Tempest and Donna Wells was clean and synchronised, capturing the robotic, rigid, controlled movements of the clones that perfectly reflected the oppressive world of Globalsoft. The precise moves in the soulless police state with zombie-like inhabitants of iPlanet contrasted dramatically with the free-spirited, expressive energy of the Bohemians, along with rock-inspired movements throughout the show. Achieving this high level of precision and varying styles from a large cast is no easy task, but these two choreographers are at their best “Under Pressure.”

Visually, the production is striking and ambitious. Stage Manager Paul Harding and his backstage team, Kira Dable, Kirsty Barnes, Alex Turner, Sophie Jones, Jane Ellaway, Annie Wright and Cameron May, did a great job keeping everything moving smoothly.

Clever, creative, colourful and innovative costumes by Emma Shortall and Rebecca Barker deserve kudos for what was obviously quite a complex job. The array of contrasting costumes enhanced the storytelling with Sci Fi and Bohemian looks while allowing each character’s individuality to shine through.

The fabulous set design (3D Productions Ltd.), sound and AV design by Chris Beardwell, supported by smart projection work, a fantastic video wall (JPS Events), lighting designed, and expertly operated by Adam Moore, brought the futuristic world to life so that the entire show just looked spectacular. Doing an impressive job on Spots were Adam Hustwit and Ruby Paechter. An inspired use of a video wall to broaden the visual storytelling, giving the production an impressive sense of scale and meticulous detail. Anyone who has been to a Queen concert will know how integral the lighting is to the production of the show, and this doesn’t disappoint. The lighting design injected a rock concert energy into the space, bathing the stage in bold colour, movement and atmosphere that shifted seamlessly between scenes, with the laser-style effects used during the capture of the Bohemians providing an extra special visual.

There were incredible performances from the ensemble, who all demonstrated phenomenal talent, particularly vocally: Adam Folkard, Alexandra Caldwell, Becky Marshall, Christine Rowlands, Clare Devine, Emily Herbert, Emily Middleton, Esther Lewis, Graham Siddle, James Preston, James Webster, Julie Marshall, Kelly Taylor, Kyle Oxberry, Lindsey Farrow, Lucy Flower, Martha Harding, Mary Harding, Matthew Tempest, Naomi Mothersille, Nicole Connor, Olivia Hayley, Rebecca De Lima Aruajo, Ruby Stephenson, Shae Ogley, Sophie Ketteringham, Stephanie Davison and Tom Wilkin.

Special Shout Outs

In the lead role of Galileo, bringing both presence and vocal strength to a demanding part, James Pegg was nothing short of outstanding. This complex character requires a careful balance of naivety and conviction, which he did brilliantly. He embodied the look and spirit of a ‘dreamer’ and a ‘bohemian’ and captured the rebellious misfit perfectly.

Sophie Massa-Sanders brought vibrant energy to the role of Scaramouche, infusing the character with feistiness, confidence, and emotional depth. Her acting delivered an impact, while her commanding vocal performances were off the scale. It was particularly rewarding to witness Scaramouche’s evolution into a powerful and dynamic freedom fighter. With razor-sharp wit and emotional depth, she lit up the stage.

Together the pairing had an electric chemistry, which was believable and charismatic, so that their scenes together were both hilarious and heartfelt.

As Brit and Oz, the key Bohemians, Paul Lonsdale and Amy Lodge proved a dynamic duo with excellent characterisation and vocals. Both brought impeccable comic timing and charisma, drawing laughs with ease with their infectious energy, boundless humour and their young love on-stage chemistry, particularly during “I Want it All.” Amy Lodge gave an impressive and moving performance of 'No-One But You' in respect of all those artists that we lost too soon. She delivered one of the evening's most moving performances. Her emotional depth and vocal confidence created a moment that lingered long after it ended.

Claire Hoyland-Waters played the Killer Queen with stunning full-throttle vocals. This was a vocally assured and confidently stylised performance.

Will Sadler gave a polished performance as Khashoggi. He was a cool but formidable presence, quietly menacing in his whole demeanour and delivery, and he dominated nicely, revelling in his power to control. A special highlight was his powerful rendition of Seven Seas of Rhye.

Mark Gale charmed the audience as the quirky Buddy, delivering laughs with his mispronunciations of ancient relics like “vie-day-oh tap-ee.” His warm stage presence showcased his theatrical experience and added great depth to the character. Some of the wittiest lines of the show were in his safe hands, and he delivered them expertly with a natural comedic timing. Played with warmth and just the right touch of exuberance, he wistfully led the company in ‘These Are the Days of Our Lives.’

Congratulations on a thrilling, wonderful production that brought lots of laughter and entertainment. What makes this production stand out is not just the scale of the show but the consistency of the first-class delivery by everyone at LIDOS. From principals to ensemble, creatives to technical crew, there is a clear sense of commitment across the company. Big, bold, and full of energy, it was a reminder of why live theatre, especially at a local level, continues to matter.

 

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