REVIEW: We Will Rock you at Darlington Hippodrome

Having been invited to a preview reherasal a few weeks ago, I was incredibly excited to see how the superb Darlington OS would transport us all into the world of We Will Rock You. Would the performers manage to honour the vocal brilliance of Queen? Would I be rocked? Or would I leave thinking 'Another one bites the dust"?

'We Will Rock You' is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, now referred to as the 'iPlanet'. Here, all non-computer-generated music is a thing of the past, and corporation GlobalSoft are set on maintaining conformity and preventing musical rebellion. Immediately the audience are transported into this world thanks to the incredibly detailed video design by Andrew McAdam, Joanne Hand and Scott Akoz. Large screens show us the settings from derelict streets where uprising brews amongst the 'Bohemians', to the high-tech isterility of the GlobalSoft headquarters.

Harrison Bateman leads as Galileo Figaro, a member of the Ga-Ga Generation who has prophetic dreams of music. Bateman plays Galileo earnestly, letting the audience connect with the struggles of a man unsure how to navigate his visions and newfound status as a symbol of the uprising. Batesman's vocals are impressive, and his character develops well through the show. 

By his side is Scaramouche, a similarly ostracised non-conformist. Scaramouche is portrayed by Grace Mansfield, giving a powerhouse vocal performance. Sarcastic comedy at the forefront gives way to vulnerability, most apparently in 'Somebody To Love', supported by beautiful harmonies from the 'Teen Queens' (Eva Ferguson, Lucy Ivison, Ava King, Sophie Ruddick). Bateman and Mansfield afford the relationship the time it deserves, both expertly switching between witty back-and-forth and strong emotional beats (such as their argument in the powerful 'Hammer To Fall') - though lines are occasionally lost due to the speed of delivery. 

Costume design is impressive, especially with 'The Bohemians' - after being introduced to the stark uniformity and perfection of the Ga-Ga Generation's outfits (with an impressive variety of wigs), the Bohemians are dressed in haphazard, multi-coloured get-ups of clothing they've clearly scavenged that they believe embodies 'rock'.

Two of the show's strongest comedic presences are couple Brit and Oz (played by Ben Connor and Claire Willmer respectively), both showing impressive physical comedy throughout, with Connor especially often leaving the audience in stitches of laughter with strong on-stage chemistry. Willmer also delivers an outstanding fervent performance of 'No One But You' backed by the Bohemian ensemble, which was easily the most heart-wrenching performance of the night. The two were also supported by fellow Bohemian Buddy (Leighton Taylor-Jones), who delivered a similarly sentimental performance of 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives'. 

Rhiannon Walker's Killer Queen maintains an air of sinister authority. Another of the company's many strong vocalists, Walker delivered the high notes in 'Killer Queen' and 'Another One Bites The Dust' with a sense of ease. Her second in command Khashoggi, portrayed by Julian Cound, complemented her perfectly; an equally evil, Bohemian-hating accomplice willing to carry out any task.

The band, under the musical direction of Steven Hood, sounds terrific!  They fully embraced the music of Queen with the respect it deserved; though at times, they feel a little too pushed, overpowering some vocals. I'm sure this will settle as the run develops.

Choreography, by Joanne Hand is sharp, precise and performed enthusiastically. Lighting design by Alex Edwards is detailed and enjoyable. 

Overall, 'We Will Rock You' by Darlington Operatic Society was an undeniable success that strikes the right chord time and time again. Under the direction of Hand and musical direction of Hood, every single player in the production shone - from stellar moments of background acting that immersed the audience into the post-apocalyptic world, to a clever use of space on and off stage, and stunning harmonies that left me with goosebumps time and time again. The script has been updated since it's first outing in 2002, and theatre technolgy has developed as well. Meaning that, despite the material being over 20 years old, this production feels fresh, relevant and still as bright and bold as ever! You will, You WILL, be rocked! 

(And yes, you do want to stay for Bohemian Rhapsody - trust me!)

We Will Rock You runs at Darlington Hippodrome till November 7th 2026. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketsource.com/darlingtonos

This honest review was written as part of an advertising campaign with Darlington OS. The review is honest and impartial.