Ben Elton’s “We Will Rock You” is not a musical show in the conventional sense but more of a tribute to one of the most iconic rock bands of our time. The paper-thin plot, set in the vague future, is if anything, a distraction and much of the dialogue easily forgettable.
Epsom Players, though, scored a massive hit with its production, thanks to the talent and commitment of everyone concerned. Although Director, Paul Longhurst told me that the sound level had been toned down in places, it still seemed that Musical Director Dennis Hooker and his whole-hearted band (together with sound engineer Stuart Vaughan) had the power to raise the roof of the Epsom Playhouse as they captured the flavour of over 20 Queen hits – sometimes much of the song, sometimes an all-too-brief snatch.
The key performers brought as much life as possible to their characters and all sang with conviction. Peter Wright, Galileo, came to the fore when he mimed at playing the guitar to “I Want To Break Free”. His oblique references to songs from the 1950’s – 1980’s were perfectly timed and pointed. Dynamic Amy Putt showed her stage presence from the first as the spirited Scaramouche. These two interacted ideally in “Who Wants to Live Forever” – one of the show’s few slower tempo numbers.
All the other major players made an equally strong impact. Lisa Rose-Michael was a scary Killer Queen with a dominant voice in speech and song. She was aided by her henchman, Khashoggi, played with sinister iciness by Mark Fallon. It was a pity that tough guy Britney (James Turnbull) was killed off before the interval but his freedom-seeking outlook lived on through Meat his vivacious girl friend, Alexis Pelling. Paul Falconer, Pop, weighed in with an appropriately raw-edged “The Days Of Our Lives”. Only a few of the actors with least to say sounded unconvincing and, not being miked, were the least audible.
The chorus’s singing was excellent in numbers such as “One Vision” and “Another One Bites the Dust”. Choreographer, Claire Izzard, generally kept ensemble movement simple; only the slightest hint of uncertainty was noticeable occasionally.
The show was the sell-out it deserved to be and could well have filled the Playhouse for weeks.
Although as always Tony is complimentary about the show, i would have expected him to realise that the choreography was far from simple, it is was tricky and fiddly - the beauty of claire's choreography (coupled with enthusiasm and extremely hard work during rehearsals)was that it appeared "simple" as it was performed with such ease. Therefore indirectly i see it as a huge compliment in its' own way.
Query whether he was awake though as there was NO chorus singing during another one bites the dust!! LOL
