Back in my drama school days I worked at a theatre near The Dominion, which was showing We Will Rock You at the time. Front of house staff said they would sometimes get complaints from theatregoers after the show, who were expecting to see the actual group ‘Queen’.
One disgruntled customer was also annoyed that Freddie Mercury wasn’t there (!) So, to clarify, this production features neither. I never got to see the show in London though, and was excited to review the UK tour of Ben Elton’s smash hit production. Despite the stormy weather I wasn’t Caught in a Landslide, and made it safely to the 7.30 performance.
Don’t Stop Me Now…
…I’m having such a good time. And I was, this show is a rip-roaring romp through twenty five Queen songs. All the hits you can expect are here, largely unchanged but some with modern twists – think ‘Internet Gaga’ over its analogue equivalent for example. In fact, modern references are abundant in a show that has been on the go for 20 years.
It’s clear that the script is freshened up from time to time, with nods to musicians both older and more recent, and the still-timely references to Covid (including a brilliant gag I won’t spoil!)
There are some powerhouse vocalists in the cast, and a live band gives added oomph and energy. The chemistry between Galileo (Ian Mcintosh) and Scaramouche (Elena Skye) works well, and their duets are stunning. Both performers excel vocally, although occasionally Scaramouche is overshadowed by the band. An issue with sound levels more than ability though.
A Killer Queen (Jenny O’ Leary) heads up the corporation and seeks to stamp out free-thinking Bohemians along with Khashoggi (Adam Strong) They clearly relish playing the villains, and thankfully never quite step into panto baddie territory. Special mention must go Michael McKell as ‘Sir’ Cliff Richard – who I’m glad gets his own solo in the second act. Another fantastic voice, and great comic timing too.
One Vision
The set is mainly digital, using large video screens behind a metal bridge which allow the cast to use multiple levels to great effect. Set pieces are rolled on and off to create everything from Globasoft headquarters to a ramshackle den of Bohemians.
The only thing that perhaps dates the show is the quality of the 3D animations – looking like something from an old Nintendo 64 game at times. I wasn’t sure though if this was a conscious design choice, or simply that the animated sequences hadn’t been updated since the show’s launch in 2002.
Is it family show? There were quite a few children in on this Wednesday evening performance, which was half-term for some parts of the country. There’s the odd bit of ‘bad language’ and a few sexual references – some blatant and some more Innuendo.
You (Brian) May want to introduce them to the hits of Queen first if they’re not already fans too as I’m not sure the plot alone would be enough for those unfamiliar with the source material. However, the show is highly visual and packed with theatrical eye-candy – including a brilliant lighting design by Rob Sinclair and Luke Rolls.
On the subject of plot, the story seems like a vehicle to connect up the songs – but actually I found it was really effective. Briefly, the show takes place in a dystopian future where rock and roll is a long lost relic and Globalsoft rule the airwaves or, rather, internet channels. Think Mad Max meets The Matrix, to a rocking soundtrack.
The themes of sticking it to the man (and woman), following your dreams and rebelling against the expectations of society all ring true here. It’s a narrative that’s tongue-in-cheek at times, and poignant at others – switching between witty pop culture references and moving tributes to Freddy and the gang.
Value for money? Tickets range from £13 to £41.90 and – being a spectacular show – you don’t necessarily need to sit in the higher-priced tiers to enjoy it. The prices seem justified for such a popular show with a large cast and crew, full band and stunning costumes, wigs and production values throughout. Even in a smaller venue, the show felt like it was West End quality, but at touring prices. The whole production works like a well-oiled musical machine, there isn’t a missed beat or dropped note to be heard.
Even though it was over two hours and forty minutes with an interval, the pace was generally slick and it was over in a Flash (woah-oh!)
My plea…don’t leave before the show has actually finished. I was Slightly Mad to see some people scurry off when they thought it had ended, perhaps keen to beat the rush and get out the car park before everyone else. However, they missed a fantastic encore and one of the highlights one of the entire show.
Also, ironically for a show about how our generation is always glued to the internet and our phones, I was surprised to see a lady sat in front of me – a generation older than I am – taking photos and videos, despite a clear announcement and being asked to stop by vigilant staff. The cast deserve your full attention, although I noticed she was unwittingly on selfie-mode half the time anyway!
Can you do the Fandango? No!
This audience clapped and cheered, but thankfully none were up dancing in the seats or crooning along karaoke-style (except when the cast encouraged it) It’s more show than concert, and that’s made clear from the start with an announcement asking people not to sing along. The shows builds to a rousing finish though, and by then the audience are itching to join in with what eventually becomes one big rock concert.
A live band, the hits you know and love, a sensational cast and all the production values of the West End. If you go Ga Ga for Queen on the radio, don’t wait for the Hammer to Fall…get on your Bicycle and book today!
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
STAR RATING
You can catch We Will Rock You at The Grand Opera House until Saturday 19th February. Book tickets at www.atgtickets.com/shows/we-will-rock-you/grand-opera-house-york/. Tickets range from £13 to £41.90
The Show Must Go On…tour! And it does. To find out where it’s playing next visit www.queenonline.com/wwry/uk_tour
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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