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We Will Rock You, Young Part

Author: Matt Hampson

Information

Date
24th February 2022
Society
Mayhem Theatre Group
Venue
Monmouth Girls School
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Lucy Friend
Musical Director
Ruth Friend

After an 18 month wait and my first show for some time, Mayhem Youth were back with this Queen belter! Young Part editions are essentially the original musical, adapted for younger performers and it is great that TRW and Queen have made this available. The music is iconic and gives our stars of tomorrow a chance to perform all the hits! 

Mayhem has a very strong following in Monmouth and the audience were very appreciative of the efforts put in by the cast, crew and creatives on this production. Queen music isn’t and easy sing, which can pose issues for younger casts. Freddie Mercury had an astonishingly high and recognisable voice, but the cast held their own in what is generally a challenging score. The staging was basic but very effective and I do like simplistic set as it gives the cast nowhere to hide! I’ll start with the supporting ensemble! Each and every time they came on stage, they lit up the room! They were absolutely loving life, giving it 100% and taking every opportunity to make their families proud.

Galileo and Scaramouche played by Jack Davies & Lucy Friend were well cast. Coping with Queens music isn’t easy at all, let alone the script work as well! I was impressed with their stage presence and carried the performance overall. Supporting them were Lucy Edmunds as Killer Queen, Archie Cowton as Khashoggi, Erin Crossley as Buddy, and Megan Fairman-Foster as Ga Ga Kid. Each of whom gave absolutely everything to their roles which was really pleasing. I have to mention Liam Phelps, who played Brit with determination I have never seen in a youth production before. Every time he was on stage, I was drawn to him, even in the mega mix at the end. If there is one bit of advice I can give to any aspiring performer is to understand your role, research and take your chance when it comes and Liam did this all night! He is definitely one to watch to the future! I wasn’t going to mention the second half fire alarm, but I have to say Mayhem handled this exceptionally well, ensuring the theatre was cleared, keeping the children calm and then casually re-starting without a fuss! Well done all! 

I really enjoyed my evening with you and look forward to seeing you all again for your next production. 

 

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