We Will Rock You Musical Review

Currently being shown at The London Coliseum, We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical containing 24 of British rock band Queen’s songs including classics such as I Want to Break Free and Bohemian Rhapsody.

The story, written by Ben Elton who also appears in the show as the rebel leader, is about a group of ‘Bohemians’ who try to restore freedom of thought and live musical. On a futuristic planet known as ‘IPlanet’ live music is banned where everyone thinks and acts the same under the control of Killer Queen played by alternate Jenny O’Leary. It is down to the ‘dreamer’ Galileo Figaro played by Ian Mcintosh and Scaramouche played by Elena Skye to find the We Will Rock You Legend and restore freedom along with rock music to the world.

Although the show is based on Queen it did have some appreciation to other legends from Elvis to modern day icon Harry Styles particularly in the Heartbreak Hotel with t-shirts on show in the background of the set. Mcintosh and Skye’s characters complimented each other greatly along with their range of vocals being breathtaking in the submerged Queen songs, they have both played the characters for several years which is clear to see. The Rock and Roll random phrases from Galileo as the ‘dreamer’ also got regular laughs from the audience as well as a few comments from The Rebel Leader - Pop. Unfortunately the storyline itself was poorly done with no real sense to it as it tried to take on a modern day view that was unnecessary, though the show still manages to sell out daily with the fantastic Queen songs being an incentive portrayed greatly by the incredible cast.

The ensemble was made up of a group of talented cast members who were in most scenes wearing a range of costumes and added the choreographed visuals to the songs.

The set was largely one dimensional only using screens to project videos as backdrops. Only in Heartbreak Hotel and the ending scenes were moving sets introduced, emphasising the difference from the rest of the planet that is controlled, so if this was purposefully done it was clever from the production team.

Going into the show I didn’t know what to expect with it not being based on preexisting material, I just knew to expect some Queen classics. The storyline did leave me underwhelmed and I feel it could’ve been better if they didn’t try to modernise it. It was definitely a more mature show compared to the ones I’ve previously seen, the cast are also on the older side highlighting this. Moreover I believed the show is aimed at the older generations as some of the jokes didn’t appeal to me as a younger viewer as much as they did to the mature majority, but in fairness this would’ve been their target market given the time period of Queen’s origin. I would therefore give the show 3 stars. With this being said I am unable to fault the cast who’s vocals were incredible throughout, definitely doing the songs justice! Adrian Hansel and Christine Allado stood out along with the characters previously mentioned.

If you’re a Queen fan I would recommend a visit before it closes at the end of August as the songs themselves will leave you high-spirited and impressed, just don’t go into it with expectations for the story!

Access at The London Coliseum

Located just a five minute walk from Charing Cross station, the London Coliseum is the largest theatre on the West End holding a capacity of 2,359 people. I attended with my friend who is also in a wheelchair, as our seats were originally located in the stall on opposite sides we were able to be upgraded to a box so we could be together. The boxes are located on the same level as the entrance so was easy to get too, there was also a shop for the merchandise on route so all was very accessible. There was a lift which I assume would be for stalls and grand circle seats.

We sat in box F which is located behind the back row of the stalls, the box is valued at £25 per person whereas the stalls are only £12.50 per person. The box normally holds five people but it was very tight for us with one of our PA’s having to sit behind with a blocked view – I therefore wouldn’t be happy paying a total of £50 to attend with a PA. Unfortunately at the end we couldn’t see the stage when everyone stood up as we were on the same level as them, although we did have a good view of the rest of the show. Being on street level with a flat designated exit was a bonus as it meant we could leave the theatre without assistance which is very rare.