Can we hear you go Gaga for this incredible Queen and Ben Elton musical? We Will Rock You.
BEN ELTON IS BACK FOR THE
‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY UK TOUR!
Queen and Ben Elton’s smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’ is back for 2022 to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new tour in 27 theatres across the UK. The worldwide smash hit musical arrives at Stockton Globe from Monday 6th June until Saturday 11th June and one thing’s for sure, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed!
The talent blew me away on stage last night.
Magical, powerful and spellbinding. I was mesmerised by the quality, control and range of the voices upon that stage. It would actually be unfair to pick out a stand out performance because they were all so spectacular. Vocally, one of the strongest shows I have seen in quite some time. The harmonies were impeccable and tight throughout all of the chorus numbers too. I may be biased because Queen are my favourite band but the score throughout was amazing. It fitted in so perfectly due to the comedy timings of Ben Elton – very smartly written to make sure the flow was just right.
Not to give any spoilers away but two of my favourite songs included Somebody to Love by the wonderful, vivacious Scaramouche and Only the good die young by the seductive but incredibly talented Meat. A truly fitting tribute to our icons of rock who have passed. The vocals on both songs gave me goosebumps. Not only did the show host impeccable vocals, the choreography was slick, exciting and impactful. Particularly in the Bohemian Camp during Brit’s song!
Directed by Ben Elton, the musical has seen unprecedented success in theatres and arenas all around the world since it first premiered in London 20 years ago at the Dominion Theatre in May 2002.
And now, the original writer of We Will Rock You and godfather of stand-up comedy, Ben Elton will be back in the Director’s chair working with the new 2022 cast to rock UK audiences once again.
Ben Elton said: “I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since We Will Rock You premiered in London. Or that much of what we thought was science fiction in the script back then has turned into science fact! I guess Queen were always ahead of the game! I’ve directed this show all over the world and I’m thrilled to bring it home to the UK with a brand-new production and a fabulous cast of young Bohemians, most of whom were rocking in their cradles when this adventure first began.”
I could see how the refresh in cast really has allowed this timeless musical to take flight in the most spectacular way once again. Updated parts of the script kept it relevant and left the audience in stitches. It still feels as fresh as when I first saw it thirteen years ago.
The musical references throughout are just iconic and such a howl for lovers of music. You can almost predict what they are about to say! Me and my best friend left quoting so many different parts of the musical. We loved how some of the words had been rewritten for the purpose of the show and I will forever be singing Fat Bottomed Girls as – “I was just a chunky lass, always sat down on my ass!”
The musical extravaganza featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, which has been watched by over 16 million people in 19 countries, will once again rock theatres across the UK from February this year.
Make sure you catch it in the North East over the next few days
The cast will see Ian McIntosh play Galileo, Elena Skye as Scaramouche, Jenny O’Leary as Killer Queen and Adam Strong as Khashoggi. Together with Michael McKell as Cliff, Martina Ciabatti Mennell as Oz, David Michael Johnson as Brit, and an Ensemble including Laura Bird, Kate Leiper, Joanne Harper, Anna Davey, Edward Leigh, Spin, Karen Walker, David Muscat, Damien Walsh, Laura Ava-Scott, Victoria Collins, Joseph Connor, Louis Clarke-Clare and Jacob Fearey.
If you have never seen We Will Rock You it is set in a distant, dystopian future where Earth is called Planet Mall and its inhabitants wear the same clothes, think the same thoughts and exist in a brain-dead haze. This system forbids musical instruments and composers, whilst rock music is all but unknown. The musical tells the story of Galileo, Scaramouche, Killer Queen and the other ‘Bohemians’. Join them on their journey to discover the Holy Grail of Rock and restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and most importantly, live music.
Finally, the staging was really impactful albeit simple. They made great use of the cast in bringing stage props on and off and quite frankly, it was seamless. The use of the interactive screens was engaging and purposeful. I particularly loved when we could see the band who were one of the best parts of the show! I loved how they had been incorporated into the show as often the band are not on display- not this time! They really got their well deserved moments of glory.
Overall, I left We Will Rock You with a gigantic smile on my face and a spring in my step! Go check it out for yourself.
*gifted tickets
Guest Post By Robin McGough
