I must start by stating that I am a huge Queen fan – having seen them perform one of the earliest versions of “Bohemian Rhapsody” at what was then called the Hammersmith Odeon. So I was delighted that my daughter asked to go to see “We will rock you” as a half term treat. The tickets were expensive (£40 each) so I was really hoping that it would be a good experience.
The show starts with “Radio Ga Ga” and an impressive dance routine with excellent background graphics – reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. It is set in the future and all musical instruments have been banned and only music generated by the mighty Globalsoft is allowed. The kids all dress and dance the same (my daughter latched onto the plastics and emo references) on Planet Mall and there are a couple of baddies (one a Killer Queen) in control. There are a few rebellious individuals who catch snippets of long ago lyrics in their dreams.
Whilst the authorities try to track down these independent thinkers and lovers of forbidden rock music, previous rebels have been sent to the “Seven Seas of Rhye” for processing. Other rebels (Bohemians) gather at a disused underground station and adopt names of bygone rock stars – including a male Britney Spears.
“I want to break free” is an early duet for the main characters – handily known as Gallileo and Scaramouche. There are Dr Who-like moments as the “heros” are captured in a mesh of green laser lights. “Killer Queen” is sung by the lead baddie – who looks like Stephanie Beacham on a bad hair day and sounds a bit like Toyah Wilcox. The Queen hits come thick and fast including “Under Pressure” and “It’s a kind of magic”.
The graphics continue to amaze – with Matrix-like number screens. There’s a large plinth in the stage which elevates and rotates. As the heroes continue their journey to the rebels there are more songs – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” with a make shift skiffle band. For me, the second half was better – psychedelic graphics with modern avatars and a thumbs down to the burgers and fast food consumerism of Planet Mall and then a touching rendition of “Who wants to live forever”.
There’s an interesting scene for the Killer Queen in a house full of flying ducks, fish tanks and scantily clad girls with pink feather dusters who are singing “Don’t stop me now“. “Another one bites the dust” accompanies some fantastic background graphics of space invaders and other computer games. As the show reaches its climax we are finally treated to “We will rock you” (everyone claps and joins in) as well as “We are the champions”. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the much awaited for finale number – and with a guest appearance for a short guitar solo.
I have to say that my daughter loved it – proclaiming it “the best show I have ever seen”. Maybe my love of Queen music meant that I couldn’t enjoy the music so much – I really wanted to hear the original Queen versions of so many of the tracks. But it was a fun evening.
