We Will Rock You - young@part

This jukebox musical uses the music of Queen but tells a rather strange tale of a group of Bohemians trying to restore free speech and individuality, in a future land where music is forbidden. The story is flimsy and Ben Elton’s script a little clunky to say the least but it’s held together with the glorious music of the iconic pop band.

The staging was simple, with huge ranks of speakers on each side and a screen at the back which was used to show the various locations in the story.  There was also a raised area at the back, which provided an additional level for the action to unfold. However, it was the lighting which really gave the show the rock concert feel and intensity it needed.  The technical team designed and delivered a brilliant light show which included over 100 lights, including moving lights and other special effects.  The audience were also handed glow sticks to wave during the production, which was a lovely touch, and guaranteed their participation with minimal encouragement.

The choreography was excellent with a particularly strong opening number Radio Gaga that had some great arm movements which were executed with accuracy and precision. I also very much enjoyed the Vogue style used for Another one bites the dust. All of the movement was handled well by this young cast, who added their youthful exuberance and high energy to every number.

Galileo was very much the rebellious rock star in I want to break free.  He had a good clear voice and sang his many songs with a maturity and confidence. He related well to Scaramouche and they developed a good chemistry together as their relationship unfolded.  Scaramouche gave an outstanding performance both vocally and dramatically and had all the right qualities for the role.  Indeed, she had some of the show’s best one liners which she also handled brilliantly. Very well done.

Brit was a great character and obviously enjoyed the more quirky and humorous aspects of this role. He had good comic timing and an endearing and cheeky quality to his performance.

Oz was another good singer and she and Brit developed a credible and sometimes amusing working relationship.  Likewise, Buddy sang, moved and acted well.

Khashoggi, with his striking make-up and strong stage presence, gave an excellent performance throughout as the show’s ‘baddie’ - Seven Seas of Rhye was particularly powerfully sung.  His ‘boss’, the Killer Queen made a really strong impression too as she belted out one of Queen’s most well-known numbers.  She always commanded the stage with great attitude and real sass.   

The audience were really made to feel that they were at a rock concert in this production and reacted accordingly. They clapped along and waved their glow sticks throughout and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The young cast brought the music of Queen to life with their enthusiasm and energy and this was enhanced by the terrific light show.  The whole cast worked hard and danced and sang with real commitment.  The final song Bohemian Rhapsody really showed what this young cast could do, with some fabulous harmonies.

As usual with the Masqueraders, this was a great team effort where everyone came together to stage an excellent production.  Congratulations to you all

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