We Will Rock You young@part

This youth presentation had it all, making full use of the wonderful music of Queen that has transfixed their generation, allied with great libretto from Ben Elton.  EMUS put on a superb display of wonderful entertainment, energetic, loud, slick and delivered in a most professional manner. 

The show is set 300 years in the future, where music and musical instruments are banned, meaning the inhabitants are only aware of computer-generated music and have no knowledge of the rock scene and its many heroes.

On to the scene comes James O`Boyle, who plays Galileo, who dreams of breaking through to this missing music.  He hears lyrics in his head, and it comes to the attention of the Bohemians who are looking for the lost instruments.  James plays our hero with great assurance and gives his songs the full energy they need.   He meets another misfit on the way and calls her Scaramouche, a name he has also heard in his dreams.  Katie Chamberlain plays Scaramouche with convincing acting and a great singing voice, perfect for the wonderful songs. 

Along the way the pair meet with Brit, played by Joel Dawson and Oz, Bethan Moore.  They were outstanding as the Bohemian Rockers, both in their characterisations and superb vocals.  Together with Galileo and Scaramouche, they spearheaded a super production.

Hot on their heels is Kashoggi, played with menace by Izzy Cole, reporting to the Evil Killer Queen who is trying to stop them finding the music.  Sky Stacey, being suitably evil, played the Queen, giving a delicious performance with strong vocals. Other excellent singing came from Evan Hagan, as Buddy, and all other performers contributing with individual lines spoken or sung with confidence.

The final act showed the discovery at Wembley Stadium of the long-lost guitar belonging to Brian May, and we had a glorious rendition of ` We Will Rock You`.

Richard Dawson used the resources at his disposal well and utilised the strong drilled cast to tell the story with great passion.  The Musical Director, Martin Lewis led a seven-piece band on stage, partially hidden by the set.  A good `rock` sound which was well balanced, and this added to the show’s impact.  Not forgetting the simple but most striking choreography by James Bowden which had the desired response from the cast.

The lighting designed by Richard Chamberlain worked well on the simple stage built by Mark Robins and team.  Dave Dallard`s sound was generally effective, apart from a few missed cues, which I  am sure will be rectified.

From the reception at Front of House I was struck by how many people were on hand greeting the audience.  A nice touch.  A truly superb show that comes from a society firing on all cylinders, on stage and off.  As one of the finale songs says, ` We are the Champions`.

Well done EMUS.

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