Chesterfield Operatic Society’s We Will Rock You – 11 November 2026, Winding Wheel Theatre, Chesterfield
Review by Nicola Bourne.
Never in doubt, was whether I would love the music of We Will Rock You; I’ve been a lifelong fan of Queen and I’m familiar with all their songs. Anything that showcases their music is going to impress audiences, as long as it’s done well. Equally obvious, after being blown away by previous Chesterfield Operatic Society productions, was that I would maintain my opinion that this company has some outstanding talent and that you should never underestimate the quality on offer on your own doorstep. What I was uncertain of, was what I would make of Ben Elton’s quirky storyline, that forms the basis of this 2002 jukebox musical. I know it catches some people off guard if they’re expecting a Queen biography style show and that the actual story, worked around their back catalogue, is a completely eccentric and zany one!
Set around 300 years in the future, where planet earth, renamed the iPlanet, is governed by the Globalsoft Corporation, individuality is suppressed, music is computer generated and musical instruments are forbidden. In what can only be described as a bleak Orwellian society, the Ga Ga kids all hold the same opinions and interests, dress uniformly and mock anyone who’s different, or who questions the status quo. A renegade group, the Bohemians, have heard the rumour of a time, long gone, where citizens were free and creativity and rock music thrived. They believe the prophecy that the Dreamer will guide them to the place of living rock, guided by a bright shining star, and that they must challenge the Killer Queen and her corporation to achieve the freedom they dream of.
I suspect the absurdity of this plot might not be for everyone. It’s known for not having a deep, multi-layered plotline and its success is certainly reliant on some heavyweight talent to make it more credible. A less capable company may struggle with this, as it’s certainly not an easy production to pull off. Chesterfield Operatic Society, however, under Adam Walker’s directorship, stage a completely professional, enjoyable version, that makes you realise you need to abandon all seriousness at the door and take a more light-hearted approach. A tongue in cheek acceptance of the silly storyline will go a long way in ensuring you have fun! After all, it’s no more kitsch than the shenanigans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and we all love that, despite its cheesiness!
The cast is made up of some very talented singers / actors, complemented by a live band with a great sound. Evan Mason and Larissa Wallington’s compatibility, as lead characters Galileo and Scaramouche, is obvious. Both extremely talented, they have great voices and charisma. Evan perfects some iconic Freddie Mercury moves. Perhaps donning Freddie’s famous yellow jacket, from his standout Wembley performance in 1986, channels the great man himself, as he stands with the microphone stand across his back, punches the air and mimics various Freddie movements and poses, reminiscent of that concert. His performance shines in the final few songs especially, as rock music is rediscovered and the audience joins in the celebration of Queen’s most popular numbers, like We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. Larissa, as always, is the consummate professional; she maintains an amusing accent throughout, her lyrics can always be heard above the music and her punk style clothing and pink hair only add to her image of combative rebel, who refuses to follow the crowd.
Jacqui Day and Caroline Huxford have done a superb job with the whole cast’s wardrobe. Commander Khashoggi’s long coat and shades give Mad Max vibes (certainly not M&S!!!) I suspect Karl Brennan-Collis slips easily into character wearing this; a villainous character, with an evil laugh, straight out of a 1970s satirical superhero series. Karl is perfect for the role … and what a rich, powerful voice he has! His Killer Queen (Gabrielle Laidlaw) is also the epitome of evil, often clad in wicked red and black leather and surrounded by her scantily clad minions in a particularly funny Fat Bottomed Girls sequence. A great setting, her rendition of A Kind of Magic, takes place in her plush purple palace, complete with floating sofa!
Joshua Young’s Brit, alongside Laura Ashby’s Oz and Jon Bennett’s Buddy, form the Bohemian’s main members, with the ensemble playing an array of characters who name themselves after icons long forgotten, like Madonna and AC/DC. All three are obviously strong members of the company. I love Joshua’s kilt wearing character and his vocals and stage presence are first rate. Equally, Laura’s performance is faultless and feisty and Buddy is one of my favourite characters from the show, with Jon competently playing the laid back hippy with so much humour and generating most of the laughs.
The amount of work that’s gone into this production at the Winding Wheel, is clear, whether it be sound and lighting, set design, costumes, props or the quirky choreography from Paula Wilson. There’s thunderbolts and lightning, a great screen backdrop, which allows quick and easy set changes and is ideal for addressing the audience, and even a motorcycle on stage. It certainly feels sophisticated! Musical Director, Helen Ingham encourages some great musical performances, and the audience gets to experience a mini rock concert to boot! If you imagine the Queen greats, they’ll likely be in this show.
It’s not the first time that I’ve said, “Embrace the madness!” and it probably won’t be the last … but this is a production bursting with talent and a company who always puts on a professional show. Thank you, Chesterfield Operatic Society, for taking on this formidable challenge and for bringing this production to a Chesterfield audience! We Will Rock You … yes, you did that, alright!!!
