Dovehouse Theatre. 8 September 2026
Story by Ben Elton. Music by Queen.
Director: Robert Bateman. Musical Director: Phil Ypres-Smith. Choreographer: Bethany Waller-Scott.
We Will Rock You is a futuristic fantasy set on the iPlanet formerly known as Earth, where live music and individuality are banned. It’s very over-the-top, action filled, and hugely enjoyable. The story is very thin but nobody cares because it’s a joy from beginning to end.
Costumes were very effective. They were clearly well thought out and always exactly right for the characters. Set design was very well done. The stage was mostly bare, with a platform at the back, on which the band sat. The band was fabulous, playing all the iconic Queen tunes so well. Lighting and sound were seamless. Set changes were accomplished very quickly and efficiently throughout. Once or twice, I thought the music was slightly too loud and voices were momentarily overpowered, but it WAS just momentary, and then it resolved. It certainly didn’t affect our enjoyment of the show.
The Gaga Kids were brilliant. They were very well choreographed, moving entirely in unison. It was easy to see how well-rehearsed they were. They were completely clad in white, with blonde wigs that must surely have been secured with super glue because they stayed put so well throughout.
Sam Turner was excellent as Galileo Figaro. What a voice. I wasn’t at all surprised to read in the programme that he has a lot of experience in musical theatre and in bands. This experience showed and he was perfect for the role. Hannah Thomas was perfectly cast as Scaramouche (or Scary Bush). Her voice blew me away and I loved her world-weary sarcasm. She was so accomplished and it was a shock to read that this was her first ever lead role.
Emma Davies made a fantastic Killer Queen. It was no surprise to learn that she’s been performing professionally for over 25 years, although this was her first musical theatre production for over 8 years. It didn’t show. She was great in the role. Her voice is amazing and she did the risqué jokes beautifully – the audience loved them. I absolutely loved the look on her face when Khashoggi shouted at her. Richard Bateman was a great Khashoggi. He worked so well with Davies and made a really good villain.
Mary Butler was just perfect as Oz. She was the standout performer of the night for me. When she sang No-One But You, the audience was completely silent. She gave the best performance of this song I’ve ever heard. Wow, what a voice. George Haughie was fab as Brit. He sang really well and was great at the physical comedy. He gave a really confident, energetic performance. I can’t believe this is his first year of performing!
I loved Terry Deering as Buddy. He made a great hippie and played the comedy so well. The audience roared with laughter at him.
The ensemble was fantastic throughout, giving confident and clearly well-rehearsed performances.
The funniest part was at the end. After we’d cheered ourselves hoarse and clapped till our hands hurt, we were treated to Bohemian Rhapsody. The screen asked if we’d like one more song, and we were treated to a full-cast rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. The screen was slightly behind the performers, so we were already hearing the song a fraction before we saw the words. I like to think they did this deliberately. It brought the house down, with everyone laughing and cheering.
Obsidian is one of those groups that blurs the line between professional and amateur theatre. Every single member of the group showed the utmost professionalism at all times.
Direction, by Robert Bateman, was faultless. In fact, the whole creative team did an amazing job. It was also lovely to see so many of the creatives performing in the show. The whole team was brilliant. I can see some great things coming from this lovely group.
This was an absolute joy, and I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you so much Obsidian. I’m looking forward to the next one. Now, I’m off to find my bicycle.
Reviewed by – Lesley L.
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