We Will Rock You at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by: Jan Dixon

Absolutely brilliant! This was a wonderful show – stunning with a cast of exceptional vocalists, dancers and sets! What was also amazing was the fact that a live orchestra played the Queen songs throughout – what talented musicians! You have until Saturday 24th October to grab this ‘Kind of Magic’!
‘We will Rock You’ is a smash hit musical, with story and script by Ben Elton; music and lyrics by Queen and an original vocal score by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Mike Dixon.

The storyline was written to showcase the iconic music of Queen and does not disappoint. It is set in a future world where rock music is banned and follows two young rebels, Galileo (Charlie Frame) and Scaramouche (Megan Parkes) who want to resurrect live music, especially rock. They are not alone and meet up with the Bohemians, a group of dissatisfied people who also long for live performances, led by Buddy (Alex Hillman). They were joined by Brit (Ben Irish) and Oz Georgie-Rose Rust), a radical couple who also yearned for exciting live music. The antagonists were Killer Queen (Emma Hall and Khashoggi (Matt Gibbins) who try to destroy the Bohemians quest.

There were very clever references to the isolated lives of people relying on their phones and electronic devices under the control of the Global Software Corporation, which resonated with the audience. This over-reliance on electronics to provide entertainment and take away individuality had led to the demise of live music. Humour was provided throughout, with sly references to Queen lyrics and innuendos between the main characters. Buddy (Alex Hillman) certainly made the audience laugh out loud many times with his comedic timing and asides.

From the opening numbers the audience were rocked by the songs of Queen, including ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’, ‘We Are The Champions’ ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’ and many more.

It was refreshing to see young and old clapping, singing and laughing throughout this show. All ages obviously enjoyed the awe-inspiring vocal talents of the main characters, whose characterisation of their roles were enthusiastically received. The ensemble of fifteen performed with such professionalism, singing and dancing throughout the storyline and changing set projection to deserved applause – excellent! The costumes and wigs of everyone certainly added to the image of a ‘lost’ generation who needed rock music back in their lives to fully ‘live’ again!

Acknowledgments must go to the Head of Production/Casting Director (Jack Edwards); Director (Sean Smith); Musical Director (Andrew Woodford); Choreographer (Ellie Scott); Lighting Designer (Mark Dymock); Sound Designer (Aaron Hayes); Head of Wardrobe & Wigs (Jacqueline Willis); Wigs Designer (Bex Rungen). Promotional Pictures supplied by Steve Spurgin.

I had assumed that the music of Queen was a backing track, because it was so well done, so it came as a wonderful surprise to see that a live Band had actually performed throughout the show! Congratulations to the exceptional musical talents of Musical Director/Keys 1 (Andrew Woodward); Keys 2 (Tom Davison); Guitar 1 (Sam Bell); Guitar 2 (Pete Relph); Bass (Paul Welsh); Drums (Jamie Woodford); Percussion (Ronnie Flatman). Well done everyone – you were truly inspiring!

‘We Will Rock You’ is so brilliant you ready need to see it for yourself and be part of the experience of being immersed within the Queen vibes. Standing ovations were very well deserved; followed by the Kings Theatre coming alive with the sound of Bohemian Rhapsody as a stunning finale.

The production of ‘We Will Rock You’ continues between 21st October 2026 to 24th October 2026 inclusive at 19.30 with 14.30 matinee performances on the 22nd and 24th October 2026. Ticket prices start from £10.00 to £34.00 with concessions available. Approximate running time 2 hours 20 mins (including interval).

Rating: 5/5 stars.
https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/we-will-rock-you-2/
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO5 2QJ