Rock and Rebellion in Diva Productions’ ‘We Will Rock You’ – Review

‘We Will Rock You’ at Theatre Royal Wakefield. Photo Credit: Creative Studios Media.

Back in December we reviewed Elf: The Musical by West Yorkshire Theatre Company, Diva Productions. This week they bring Rock ’n’ Roll to the Theatre Royal Wakefield with their vibrant, witty and sharply satirical rendition of the award winning jukebox musical ‘We Will Rock You’. From ripped jeans and dyed hair to makeshift instruments, the Bohemians invited TSOTA on their revolutionary journey to escape trends, resist social media conformity and to find their ‘vibe’.  

The moment the lights dropped, spotlights, chaos and movement launched the audience into a full blown sound and lights show. The repetitive use of rotational spotlights created a sense of urgency and adrenaline that continued throughout the performance. The exposure puts the audience on edge too, forcing us to question if we were also being watched and would we be in the narrative: the Bohemians or the compliant agents of the iPlanet?

‘We Will Rock You’ is a timeless production that uses Queen’s music, while also referencing current and past musical legends. Set in a dystopian future where technology dominates expression, only the Bohemians can save society from the control of the ‘Killer Queen’. Diva Productions embraced the heart and soul of the musical, taking its cultural message to a whole new level. 

‘We Will Rock You’ at Theatre Royal Wakefield. Photo Credit: Creative Studios Media.

James Banks (Galileo) and Meg Riley (Scaramouche) delivered a ying-and-yang partnership, bringing joyful musical theatre energy without turning rock into cheesy pop. Galileo, the impulsive ‘dreamer’ and  Scaramouche, the brains of the Bohemians, captured the personality of rock. The actors characterised the intense frustration of the drums, the adrenaline and passion of the guitar and vulnerability of the bass. 

Alongside these protagonists, the manipulative Killer Queen and Khashoggi, performed by Ellie Sykes and Henry Etherington, tried to fool the audience out of loving Rock. Sykes’ numbers were performed in burlesque style, bringing out the character’s ability to possess the attention of others. The duo’s lack of fluid movement enhanced the captivating power of the Killer Queen. 

‘We Will Rock You’ at Theatre Royal Wakefield. Photo Credit: Creative Studios Media.

The company’s key strength is its unity, demonstrated in this production in how the lighting, graphics, band and vocals all compliment one another. A striking moment was ‘Flash’, where the actors contorted their bodies synchronously to the music while the backdrop displayed electric waves. 

Ultimately, Diva Productions’ ‘We Will Rock You’ is more than just a high-energy jukebox musical; it is a bold and cohesive celebration of individuality, rebellion and the enduring power of music. Through dynamic performances, striking visuals and a unified company effort, the production not only entertains but challenges its audience to reflect on their own relationship with conformity and self-expression. 

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Tickets for their final two performances on Saturday are still available, and for all the latest from Diva Productions visit their website and Instagram. 

Diva Productions next performance will be Sunset Boulevard in Bradford Alhambra on 10-12th September.