We Will Rock You

The music of Queen seems to be the flavour of the times and here it is presented through the rather convoluted story devised by Ben Elton. The play is set in the future where individuality no longer exists. Under the control of the Killer Queen, everyone wears the same style clothing and there is no original thinking and no music. However, a group of Bohemians is searching for the music and mysteries of the past from their meeting place, the Hard Rock Café. They have given themselves names of old time rock stars. In this musical, we follow the search for the past and the clashes of the two worlds, both in reality and thought.

Director Madeleine Johns has achieved a high standard with this large cast of thirty nine in the movement and dancing of the chorus members as well as the performances of the leads with their singing and acting. It is just as well as there was a large stage to create such an enjoyable product for the audience. There was a lift from Redcliffe Musical Theatre’s last production, particularly in the main performers. As usual with this company, costuming was spot on.

Timothy Kennedy as Galileo and Kaley Jones as Scaramouche were outstanding in their portrayals, both in singing and the acting interplay between them. What a nasty piece of goods was Naomi Drogemuller, the Killer Queen, with a strong, clear singing voice too.  John Chant and Tiffany Payne brought the Bohemian’s cause to life with some great over the top singing and dancing, while Richard Rubendra was solid as the wicked witch’s assistant and underling. James Reid as Buddy brought strength and clarity to his role.  There were some very good dancers among the Bohemians, yuppies and gaga girls who made up the chorus. Unfortunately, there was one fault and that was the sound control. At times there was a deep throbbing noise and at other times the volume was such that the singers could hardly be heard. It only occurred now and then. Pity.

Overall, this was a good production and I offer my congratulations to the director, cast and crew. I left with a smile on my face and the Queen music in my head.

William Davies