We Will Rock You | His Majesty’s Theatre | til April 7 | ★ ★ ★ ★
Ben Elton’s theatrical ode to the music of Queen has returned to Western Australia with a killer showcase of Perth talent at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Set in a dystopian future where music and free thought are forbidden under the Globalsoft Corporation’s oppressive regime, We Will Rock You follows the story of the Bohemians and their quest to return to free thought.
The audience is introduced to this possible future with an explanatory video montage that marks all of the key moments in music history that led to the rise of Globalsoft, which of course includes Courtney and Chris Murphy’s tragic eliminations from Australian Idol, and Feminem’s on-stage cameo with Adele at her Perth performance last year.
The Murphy brothers star as Britt and Macca, two veteran Bohemians who encourage the protagonist, Galileo Figaro, to fulfill his destiny and bring rock and roll back to the electronically-dominated world. The pair are joined by The Voice alum Paula Parore as Britt’s partner Oz and Australian pop legend Normie Rowe as Buddy, the de facto leader of the Bohemians – who had the audience in stitches with his goofy mispronunciations of ancient artifacts – such as the video tape.
Blake Williams and Holly Denton, in the lead roles of Galileo and Scaramouche, both wowed the theatre with their powerful renditions of Queen favourites like I Want To Break Free, Under Pressure, Headlong and more.
Local drag superstar Feminem (Dean Misdale) was a clear crowd favourite as Killer Queen, the unchallenged leader of the villainous Globalsoft Corporation. Taking to the stage in an array of fabulous costumes and wigs, Misdale nails the characters drag debut with a wicked flair – and a few less that subtle Adele gags that were more than welcome.
There were a few moments where the show lost momentum, particularly the sudden defeat of the story’s outrageous nemesis, but fans of Queen and musical theatre alike are sure to enjoy some of the best local talent in the rock and roll favourite. Besides, We Will Rock You certainly saves the best for last with a showstopping finale to the band’s most notorious singalong hit.
We Will Rock You will be at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday 7th April. For tickets and more information, head to wewillrockyouperth.com.au
Leigh Andrew Hill
Image credit:- Stephen Heath Photography
