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We Will Rock You

Published Thursday 26 March 2009 at 13:00 by Chris High

We Will Rock You was Ben Elton’s promise on launching the first national tour of this smash hit musical and he certainly delivers with this slick, fast-paced, loud, multi-coloured event of a show. With a seven-piece band to back some of Queen’s extensive catalogue of hits, it was left to a dynamic and accomplished cast to deliver the goods and, for the most part, deliver they do.

A finalist in 2005’s The X Factor, Brenda Edwards quickly grows into her role as the pseudo-dominatrix Killer Queen so that by the end it is clear she was enjoying herself to the full. Alex Gaumond’s hero, Galileo, and Kevin Kennedy’s Pop are quite brilliant in the way they take control of proceedings and bash out their songs with well-crafted ease, whereas Jonathan Wilkes as Khashoggi is at times stunning - though at others, less so.

But it is Sarah French-Ellis as the misfit Scaramouche who really shines. Here is an actor with a voice capable of igniting the sky and an ability to bring a character to life that is breathtaking.

With a surprise performances from Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor during the encored Bohemian Rhapsody, this is one night - and one show - that will live long in the memory. Yes it’s cheesy in places and no it’s not Shakespeare - it was never meant to be - but this production of We Will Rock You is very definitely an exhilarating night out and can truly say it delivers its promise to the full.

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