We Will Rock You Young@Part

We Will Rock You Young@Part is a condensed, youth-friendly adaptation of the iconic Queen musical, set in a dystopian future where music and individuality have been outlawed by the tyrannical Globalsoft Corporation. The story follows Galileo and Scaramouche, two rebellious teens who join the Bohemians in their quest to rediscover rock music and restore freedom to the world.

This was my first visit to see Urmston Musical Theatre Juniors, and I was genuinely impressed by their ambitious take on such a vocally and theatrically demanding show. We Will Rock You is no easy feat, it requires powerhouse vocals, bold characterisation, and confident stage presence. These young performers rose to the challenge with admirable energy and commitment.

It was clear that the cast had worked hard to master Queen’s iconic music. Their vocals were mostly well controlled and projected with clarity, even in the more complex harmonies. Despite the minimal set, the performers made excellent use of the stage, shifting focus and creating dynamic movement that kept the audience engaged throughout.

Galileo (Marcus Florin) brought a compelling mix of vulnerability and defiance to the role. His vocals were good, and he handled the emotional arc of the character with maturity beyond his years. Scaramouche (Freya Gow) was a standout, delivering her lines with sharp wit and confidence. Her vocal performance, particularly in “Somebody to Love,” was heartfelt and technically impressive. Killer Queen (Greta Garton) had moments of commanding presence and delivered her songs with flair. Khashoggi (Greta Van Alderwegen) gave a solid performance, balancing the sinister with the comedic. Her timing and delivery added depth to a character that can easily become one-dimensional. Brit (Adam Csanyi), Oz (Molly Barrow), and Buddy (Lexi Kilcourse) played great characters and were engaging throughout. Each brought their own energy to the stage, with Brit and Oz adding rebellious fire and Buddy providing comic relief with charm.

The ensemble was full of enthusiasm, especially during high-energy numbers like “Radio Ga Ga” and “We Will Rock You.” Their commitment to the choreography and group scenes added vibrancy and cohesion to the production. The Gaga Girls were particularly memorable, their costumes were inventive and visually striking, perfectly capturing the robotic conformity of Globalsoft’s regime. Costumes were a definite highlight, cleverly designed to reflect the contrasting worlds of the Bohemians and Globalsoft. The lighting occasionally missed the mark, leaving some performers’ faces in shadow and diminishing the impact of their expressions. The haze/fog effects, though atmospheric, were slightly overused, particularly at the end of Act 1, where it distracted from the dramatic tension.

Urmston Musical Theatre Juniors delivered a spirited and entertaining production of We Will Rock You Young@Part. With some strong leads, a committed ensemble, and creative direction, they captured the rebellious heart of Queen’s music and the message of artistic freedom. A few technical tweaks could enhance future performances, but overall, this was a bold and enjoyable show that showcased the talent and potential of these young performers.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.