Review: We Will Rock You Musical
7 January 2020
by Visit Blackpool
Are you feeling the January slump? Not to worry! We Will Rock You will revive your spirits and help you to sing away the January blues.
Dubbed ‘the most spectacular musical to return for a UK tour’, We Will Rock You is back for a six day stint at the Winter Gardens, so buckle up, music lovers!
If you are a stranger to musicals or Queen’s music in general, this performance is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. We Will Rock You first premiered in London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002. Since then, it has played to 6.6 million people across 4,600 performances, proving that the production’s popularity has not wavered since it first hit the stage over a decade ago. Rightfully so, the show has acquired a dedicated fan base which becomes clear as the show goes on when the audience sing their heart out to Queen’s iconic tracks.
Set in the dystopian future, Globalsoft Corporation, ruled by Killer Queen, control the way people behave, censor the internet and have wiped all forms of unconventional music from society, leaving only cyberpop. This means that the people listen to the same mainstream music, wear the same clothes and have the same thoughts and opinions which makes for a surprisingly funny dialogue.
Forbidden to play musical instruments void of rock and roll, the plot focuses on two main characters - Galileo, played by Ian McIntosh and Scaramouche, played by Elena Skye. Galileo believes his calling in life is to bring back rock music and artistic creativity. Together, with the help of the other bohemian rebels, they attempt to break free from the corporate-controlled society.
The script, written by Ben Elton, has also been re-booted since its first launch and now contains up to date references and witty innuendos, especially from one of the rebels Buddy who is played by Michael McKell. The updated script kept the audience chuckling throughout and nicely complemented the energetic performances.
Though there are obvious plot holes, the impressive vocal ranges from Galileo and Scaramouche, immersive video walls and the stellar set list more than make up for it.
The 150 minute set is jam-packed with 24 of Queen’s ultimate hits, including:
Towards the end of the musical, We Are The Champions welcomed a sea of waving hands from the audience, making it clear why this musical in particular has stood the test of time.
The encore of Bohemian Rhapsody sealed the approval of many. The atmosphere was top notch, the high notes were flawless and the seamless choreography collectively packed a powerful punch, sending the audience into roaring cheers and standing ovations.
This jukebox musical guarantees to leave the audience on a nostalgic high and pays a heart-warming tribute to the late Freddie Mercury.
We Will Rock You has well and truly put Queen back in the spotlight but, then again, did their iconic music ever really go away? It is fair to say that Blackpool were well and truly rocked!
When is We Will Rock You performing in Blackpool?
We Will Rock You is running from Monday 6th January to Saturday 11th January 2020. Tickets are available here.
Who stars in We Will Rock You musical?
In the 2020 leg of We Will Rock You musical, stars include: