We Will Rock You At The Mayflower, Southampton Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Lilybean D
After the Covid pandemic put a stop to the scheduled 2020 UK, ‘We Will Rock You’ is finally back and ready to “Rock and Roll”. When approaching the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton last night, I knew something special was about to happen. Lines of theatre goers queued excitedly outside, ready to take their seats for a night dedicated to the one, the only Queen.
Ben Elton is one of Englands finest screenwriters, writing classics such as Blackadder, Mr Bean and the Thin Blue line to name just a few. When he announced that he was working on a Queen musical many doubted that this project would be a success. However this tour marks its 20th anniversary, so I guess he showed them! The story is set in the future, where the planet is ruled by “Killer Queen” who makes it her mission to banish all music or individuality. Her assistant Khashoggi takes it upon himself to track down any individuals who try to unleash their creativity. All musical instruments are banned although there are rumours that instruments belonging to a once popular rock and roll band are hidden somewhere ready to be found by those deserving of them.
At the start of the show we are introduced to two such individuals who simply do not fit in. A friendship forms, which develops into love, and their mission to find their true purpose begins. They look to find the ‘True Music of Rock and Roll’. Along the way they meet an energetic and hilarious bunch of rock and roll misfits.
24 hit Queen songs were packed in to the two act musical, with classics such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘Don’t Stop Me Now” whipping the excited audience into a frenzy of clapping and arm waving.
Damien Walsh took to the stage as ‘Galileo’, our rebellious rock star lead, combing strong vocals with a cool but cheeky persona. ‘Scaramouche’, his hilarious soul mate played by Elena Skye, stole the show in the first act with perfect comedic timing and a breathtaking vocal performance. The minute she walked out on stage, supposedly awkward and invisible, her voice blew the audience away.
‘Killer Queen’, played by Jennifer O’Leary had the most difficult task of belting out anthem after anthem back to back, the whole time wearing a tight corset. She carried the task with ease and didn’t falter.
Without doubt though, the hero of the second act for me was ‘Sir Cliff’ played by Michael McKell. Michael, with his rock and roll background, was perfect to play the role of Cliff Richard. Encouraging Galileo on his quest to find the holy grail of ‘Rock and Roll’ with the help of his treasure, the ‘Videyo Tappy’. It brought the house down. His comedic timing and sensitive vocal performance of “These Are The Days of Our Lives” caused him to shine as brightly as the dazzling set in front of us.
Bright lights and clever LED screens kept our attention throughout the show, alongside spectacular costumes and high energy dance routines.
But hidden away were the real stars of the show, the band led by musical director Zachary Flis. We were allowed only fleeting glances of the superstar band but they were there, entertaining us with hit after hit with precision and class.
Arms were raised towards the end of Act Two for the power ballard “We Are The Champions” and then it was time for the curtain call. Despite the enthusiastic standing ovation, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that we hadn’t experienced the song I was hoping to hear. But then, out of nowhere, as we were about to gather our belongings, 4 little words appeared in bright LED lights. “Do You Want More?” The audience roared their response. Of course we did! And with that, a full cast rendition of “The Bohemian Rhapsody” raised the roof. At the start of the performance 2 hours previously, a voice recording of Ben Elton had encouraged us not to join in with the singing, but to listen to the amazing singers on stage. However we all knew at the end of the show, that this was our moment. And we just erupted into song. We all sang our hearts out. We were Rock and Roll, baby!
Rating: 5/5
On Stage at The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 16-20 August 2022
Tickets Priced from £29.50 to £57.50
For more information or to book tickets please visit We Will Rock You | Mayflower Theatre | Official Tickets