It’s 300 years into the future and Earth has been conquered and renamed Iplanet. Ga Ga kids have to watch the same movies, listen to computer-generated music and they’re allowed only online friends. This dystopian world is ruled by Killer Queen. Only a group of rock n roll Bohemians can save it, and all we know is somewhere there is a “stolen tape’’.

It’s opening night of We Will Rock You and it’s the first time the jukebox musical has been performed in Wellington. The crowd is excited to watch this stage spectacle of Queen songs written by Ben Elton and first staged in 2002, which has so far been enjoyed by more than 20 million theatregoers in 28 countries. [More]

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Crowns, tiaras and sparkles filled a packed St James Theatre for the opening of Ben Elton’s musical We Will Rock You last night.

Only at the magical St James can Wellingtonians walk in dressed in dull winter coats and walk out as rock stars, but anything is possible when Capital Theatre Trust and G&T Productions put on a show.

Ben Elton’s electrifying collaboration with Queen captures the spirit of their heart-felt songs in a Matrix-inspired dystopia that rocks and entertains the singing crowd, despite some family members I overhear saying, “Dad! It’s not a sing-along!” Oh, but imagine if it was!

There is toe-tapping, foot stomping, big laughs and extra innuendo mixed into the spectacle that originally premiered on London’s West End in 2002 and has continued to inspire a rock generation ever since. This time David Adkins is the director, and he is perfectly qualified after the fun foot stomp-worthy performance of Kinky Boots recently in Auckland and Wellington.

Khashoggi (David Hoskins) is perfectly cast as the mysterious leader of our journey through the smashing songs of Queen in a not-too-distant, make-believe world where the powers that be threaten to keep music from the masses. The pull between social media, screens, AI and reality are as strong today as when The Matrix movie was released, which partly inspired Ben Elton’s vision for this legendary production.

Our lost rocker, Galileo (Caleb Jago-Ward), sets the bar high from the beginning with a rocking falsetto and energy to boot. On his journey to meaning, he falls for Scaramouche (Ella Monnery) who gives me goosebumps on her honest quest to find a friend and save music.

Faced with the threat of losing music forever, our heroine Oz (Nomi Cohen) says “two words – and the second word is ‘you’,” in her valiant attempt to save rock with her unforgettable partner in Rock ’n’ crime, Brit (Chris Gordon).

When the curtain rises our band are revealed as the real stars of the show led by music director Zac John with a highlight guitar solo by Nick Granville. This is the most rocking live band we could ask for with their smooth sounds and perfect timing, plus quick thinking to ensure all our stars are heard perfectly throughout the show – extra microphones appear and additions are made to make sure every note reaches the highest of heights.

The haunting voice of Killer Queen (Tia Minnoch) and her sparkling wardrobe rock the house with raw and edgy pandemonium added to by our enthusiastic ensemble, choreographed by Ange McKellar.

Inspiring are the heart-wrenching performances by all of our incredible performers that leave my jaw open wide every time they reappear and sing straight from their soul to the rafters.

Our favourite hippy, Buddy (Corey Moir) is enchanting and steals our hearts in every scene, entertaining us with jokes, ballads hope, and much innuendo on the ultimate quest to save music, which threatens these rock stars’ lives and loved ones along the way.

The Ensemble shines (see Production Credits) in wicked costumes, thanks to wardrobe manager Khrissie Rhodes, and gravity defying wigs (Abi Johnson), with bright lights, space accessories and melodious harmonies accompanied by the powerful backing vocals of Tania Parker, Chris Green, Karen Lau and Abigail Landsborough, which altogether sound like a beautiful army of 100s in perfect harmony.

The crowd erupts before the curtain falls, signalling another stunning production by G&T and Capital Theatre Productions, which every cast and crew member have poured their soul into, and we are grateful for and benefitting from.

Thank you Wellington for an incredible night out and for rocking out with me – it wasn’t the wind that blew us away this evening.

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