We Will Rock You by Ben Elton has been adapted by Portsmouth Theatre and bought up to date to include “pop legends” from Lady Ga Ga, Tina Turner and Boy George who are all part of the Bohemian outlaws group searching for the “one person” who is going to find the the last guitar left in the world and save Rock and Roll from being lost forever.
Set to the music and lyrics by Queen what’s there not to enjoy. When it comes to rock legends, they will always be number one, in my opinion. We Will Rock You includes a wide range of their music that you realise how much they created during their career.
Charlie Franks takes the lead as Galileo he doesn’t fit in at school and keeps books and books of all the words that appear randomly in his head. These are all song lyrics from the legendary music that this new dystopian world wants eradicated and for all the kids to listen to synthetic music designed by Killer Queen (Emma Hall) whose a force to be reckoned with.
Megan Park takes on the lead female role of the Scaramouche who has no interest in following the clones of the gitls around her and wants to find love, real music and “her people” where she can be herself without ridicule.
Mike Gibbons, in the menacing role of Kashoggi, the “yes man” to Killer Queen, brings his character to life with humour and menace as he tries to eradicate the Bohemians and kill rock and roll forever. All shows need a “baddie,” and he certainly succeeds in this role. He reminded me of Rutger Hauer’s character in the 1982 dystopian film Blade Runner to look at, a very striking and formidable style.
We Will Rock You has a strong cast who all shine and give depth to this musical. The ensemble is excellent, and there’s not a step out of place throughout the performance. Ellie Scott‘s choreography expertise is apparent throughout the performance. it’s a joy to watch.
My favourite number is the duet by Galileo and Scaramouche “who wants to live forever” from the theme track of the film Highlander, which always leaves a lump in my throat. It’s a powerful song, and they didn’t fail to deliver. Absolutely brilliant performance.
King’s Theatre Portsmouth came alive towards the end of the show as the cast encouraged audience parcipation to wave and clap their hands. The power of music was evident as the auditorium came alive. There’s a few tributes throughout the performance to the legendary Freddie Mercury, who may have lost his life to HIV but his music with the band Queen will live on forever.
Director Sean Smith has created a solid updated stage production of We Will Rock You, which deserves to play to a full auditorium every time.
For more information about We Will Rock You and future productions at King’s Theatre Portsmouth, please use the link below.
Four Stars.
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