Dovehouse Theatre. 2 May 2026
Sory by: Ben Elton. Music by: Queen.
Director: Deb Lowe. Musical Director: Jake Penlington. Choreographer: Amy Evans.
This is a fantasy, set in the future on the iPlanet formerly known as Earth, where musical instruments are banned. But can the dreamer, Galileo Figaro, restore music to the world?
What a delight this was! I’ve seen it described as a ‘jukebox musical’ and as having a ‘weak storyline’. I can’t really argue, but none of that matters. Youth OnStage was up to the challenge. They made it a delight to watch from beginning to end, and their performances, combined with the amazing soundtrack, made it a joy to behold.
I saw the matinee performance, which meant the understudies were playing 2 of the lead roles, but this didn’t affect the performance in the slightest. It was easy to see the understudies were well rehearsed and knew every word of every song. I also loved seeing the main leads playing background roles so well. Again, it was easy to see how well rehearsed they were that they could slot so well into other roles. It was high-energy from start to finish. Every single young person on that stage was word perfect, knew their songs, their places and their timings. Direction was exemplary. Deb Lowe certainly knows what she’s doing as a director. Everything moved smoothly at all times. Choreography was faultless and it was clear to see how much work they’ve put into learning their dance moves.
Lighting and sound worked so well. There were parts that were filmed and shown on a large screen at the back. The live actors’ timings were so precise that it really looked like they were speaking to the characters on-screen.
Set was just 2 glittering steps at the back of the stage. Props were few but always well-used and I was most surprised to see a huge motorbike being wheeled in. The piece didn’t need any more set – the action carried the piece beautifully. The actors used the whole stage at all times. Costumes were fabulous and clearly well thought-out, as was make-up.
Aedan Mason was perfect in the role of Galileo Figaro. I’m sure he must have been nervous, standing in for the first time, but you would never have known it. There were no signs of nerves. But, actually, that can be said for the whole cast. They never looked anything less than poised and professional.
As Scaramouche (or Scary Bush), 14 year old Scar Moore stood on an empty stage and sang one long note, leading into ‘Somebody to Love’. She has a very wide vocal range and her beautiful voice made the hairs on my arms stand up. She acted every bit as well as she sang. She was completely believable, and very good at comedy. This was her first show with YOS and I’m looking forward to seeing more from her.
Britney Spears was played ably by Mark Cornaby, also an understudy. He threw himself into the role like he was made for it.
Deanna Mullen was perfect as Oz. Her vocal performance was excellent, as was her acting. She has the knack of making every role truly her own. Every time I see her, I think THIS is her best performance, and yet she still always manages to surprise me.
Billy Morris-Steele was brilliant in the role of the hippy, Buddy. He was very funny, especially with the odd risqué joke – he certainly knows how to engage an audience. His costume was fabulous. This was also his first show with Youth OnStage, and I couldn’t believe he’s only 12.
Gracie Evenden played Killer Queen to perfection. I loved the sneer on her face when she was talking to those ‘beneath her’. Gracie’s singing voice is lovely, especially when she’s really belting a number out.
Khashoggi was played beautifully by James Henderson. He has a really nice voice for speaking and sings so beautifully. His camp power suit and wraparound sunglasses were perfect, and he really looked the part.
Ebony Jones was great as the teacher. She plays comedy very well.
It’s always hard to mention every member of a large group but the rest of the ensemble cast was also excellent. Every one of them played their part beautifully and none of them ever let their characters drop. Even when they were in the background, they were still giving it their all. They all appeared polished and confident at all times.
This group never disappoints. I know they can all sing, because I’ve seen them before, but the depth of their musical talent blew me away. Ollie Quigley learnt to play the drums for this show, in just 4 months! I really thought he’d been playing for years. James Berryman played the guitar beautifully and, during the amazing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ finale, Joe Burley amazed me with his skill on the electric guitar. He played with so much style. Other audience members said he ‘equalled Brian May’ and I have to say I agree with them. The audience whooped and cheered, and we all stood for the finale. My hands were burning from applauding and my throat was sore from cheering.
I was very sad to learn 4 members of this amazing group are leaving, but I know they’re a very close-knit lot, so I’m hopeful we’ll see them coming back from time to time.
This show was an absolute joy. Thank you again Youth OnStage – I can’t wait for the next one.
Reviewed by – Lesley L.
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