Since the age of theatre, musicals have been a place that brings laughter, love and joy together in a room filled with thousands of people, and this summer, Ben Elton’s powerful musical, We Will Rock You, does this for its audience.
Beginning its premiere at the Dominion Theatre in 2002, We Will Rock You became a popular hit musical running for twelve years, and the last show ended in 2014. While critics have had their judgement of the ‘awful’ play, the musical had still risen to the top, making it a first-class choice for audiences over the UK and overseas, gaining a Choice Award for Best New Musical from Whats on Stage.
Co-created by Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, as well as the multi-award-winning novelist and television and play writer Ben Elton, the show creates an exciting atmosphere in which you cannot help but sing along to the greatest hits of Queen while being fully immersed in the fasinating storyline.
Playing at The London Coliseum, the musical takes place in a distant future in a place called Iplanet, where technology has taken over people, leaving them to not think for themselves and to be controlled through their electronic devices. Wanting to break free from the dictatorial institution, Gaga High School, two rebels decide not to be put under pressure anymore. Taking power into their own hands, dreamer boy Gallieo Figero (played by Ian Mcintosh) and rocker babe Scaramouche (played by Elena Skye) find a way to spread the musical rock spirit.
Helping to discover a way to regain the power of music, the rebel rockers called the Bohemians and wise old Pop (played by Ben Elton) go on a journey to find the all-time legend myth of We Will Rock You and protest against the Killer Queen (Brenda Edwards) and her teammate Khashoggi (Lee Mead) to restore rock into the universe.
Adding to this inspirational storyline, the performances of Queen songs set the excitement of audiences over the edge of their seats, where they clap and sing along to the hits of ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Radio Ga Ga’, ‘Champions’ and many more.
Throughout the best hit musical, the stars of the play astonish audiences with their powerful vocals. Lead star Ian Mcintosh provides iconic performances with his shining singing voice belting out Queen songs from ‘I Want To Break Free’, and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and adding chemistry together with Lead actress Elena Skye, dueting on ‘Under Pressure’, they join forces and become the rock couple in the musical fighting for the music of rock.
With both Ian Mcintosh’s and Elena Skye’s impressive vocal range, especially on her solo of ‘Somebody to Love’, together they are powerhouses, and it is no wonder why they are loved in the show.
Not only do the leading stars blow us away with their voices, but also rocker couple Meat (Christine Allado) and Britney Spears (Adrian Hansel) deliver captivating scenes, where they bring fiery personalities to their characters while singing other empowering hits such as ‘I Want It All’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and ‘No One But You (Only the Good Die Young)’ making it breathtaking to hear from their voices.
With Christine Allado and Adrian Hansel adding the heat to the play, the Killer Queen (Brenda Edwards) and her beautiful ‘killer’ vocals add an empowering energy to performances from ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘Another One Bites The Dust’.
Of course, we cannot forget about the influencing old Pop (Ben Elton) who not only brings comedy and emotional speeches to the stage, but also, sings passionately in his solo piece of ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’.
Producing the spirited and energetic songs and vocals could not have added power without the musical band of Arlene Mcnaught, Nick Radcliffe, Dave Cottrell, Nick Kendall and Neil Murray. Overall, they brought compelling and exciting rhythms and melodies to the show.
Speaking of the electrical excitement of music, Queen member Brian May overwhelmed every single individual with anticipation when he appeared playing the guitar solo of Bohemian Rhapsody on the final night of the musical, which was a night for everyone to remember.
With the musical being surrounded by Queen and their hits, it is comedy which is a important element inside the scenes, keeping the audience wanting more and fulfilling the creativity going into the musical plot.
From Galleio and his spiraling thoughts of rock n roll lyrics blurting out commenting on ‘Who Let The Dogs Out?’, and how he wants to ‘Zigga Zig Ah’, it reminds us of all the superb songs from the 80s and 90s. Topping it off with Pop and his comical phrase “You’ll awake the sleeping beast”, they all combine to add laughter to the acts.
The musical elevates emotion, remembering those rock gods who are alive and who are also no longer with us, from Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, Britney Spears, and David Bowie, and a sentimental praise for Brenda Edwards’s son, Jamal Edwards.
Creating this extraordinary fantasy land or could it be a reality… this could not have brought a vibrant atmosphere without the talented ensemble and their creative dance moves and vocals travelling through the play. Choreographed by Jacob Fearey and with the designing of outfits by Kentaur, the cast are transformed into delightful and fierce rockers and rollers.
Not to mention, without the vibrant and lively sets produced by lighting designer Luke Rolls and Rob Sinclair, teaming up with set and video designers, Stufish Entertainment Architects, bringing Ben Elton’s imagination alive.
As stated before, nothing matters if there are still negative criticisms because what is important is the atmosphere and feeling this hit musical has created for us. Teaching us that rock and roll will live on forever and we can fulfil this life whichever way we want and do not need to be controlled, but anyone but by ourselves, living on with passion, spirit and love.