Review: We Will Rock You, Theatre Royal Wakefield

Their production of We Will Rock You—the jukebox musical written by Ben Elton in collaboration with members of Queen—is a full-throttle triumph. From the opening number to the final encore, the energy rarely dips, carried by a cast that is both vocally impressive and tightly choreographed.

The seven principal performers, drawn from a mix of professional and semi-professional talent, are note- and step-perfect throughout. They are backed by a vibrant 20-strong ensemble, many recruited from Wakefield’s CAPA and other local colleges—an investment in emerging talent that pays off handsomely on stage.

Set in a dystopian future where Earth has been rebranded “iPlanet,” the story imagines a world where live music is banned, and instruments are relics of the past. Those who defy the rules face serious consequences, yet a band of rebels dares to challenge the status quo, determined to rediscover the power of music and recover its lost tools.

The script leans heavily on puns, musical references, and Queen lyrics, resulting in a tone that is knowingly playful. It’s undeniably cheesy, and not especially subtle—but that’s part of its charm. The cues for more than 20 Queen hits may be obvious, yet they land exactly as intended, prompting waves of audience recognition and delight.

And really, that’s the point. While some theatre shows can veer toward self-importance, most audiences simply want an entertaining night out. Diva Productions understands this, and they deliver it in spades. The atmosphere on the night was electric—filled with clapping, singing, arm-waving, and a couple of well-earned standing ovations.

At the heart of it all are standout performances from James Banks as Galileo and Meg Riley as Scaramouche. Together, they form a compelling and charismatic duo, combining powerful vocals with sharp comic timing and an easy stage presence that draws the audience in.

Ellis Sykes brings commanding flair to the role of the villainous Killer Queen, head of the all-powerful Global Soft, while Henry Etherington provides strong support as her sidekick Khashoggi—despite a costume that is, at times, more distracting than menacing.

Elsewhere, Tyler Warren (Brit) and Esmae Bloomer (Oz) make an engaging pair as leaders of the Bohemians, and Laura Hancock is a scene-stealer as Buddy, the eccentric librarian whose encyclopedic knowledge of lost music survives even attempts to erase her memory.

The show opened on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, with only a handful of tickets remaining. If you’re looking for a lively, feel-good night at the theatre, you’ll need to act fast.

Visit: www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01924 211311.