One of the most loved bands of all time, Queen, has been the inspiration for one of the most popular jukebox musicals in West End history, 'We Will Rock You', a futuristic tale written by best-selling author Ben Elton. With the help of original Queen members Roger Taylor and Brian May and choreographer Arlene Phillips, the show was an instant success, opening to sell-out audiences at the Dominion Theatre in the West End in May of 2002. A testament to the popularity of the musical numbers performed throughout, the production was so successful that it went on to tour internationally, appearing in the United States, Russia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Hong Kong and many other locations. 'We Will Rock You' has also won a number of awards, including several 2003 Theatregoer's Choice Awards (such as Best New Musical).
'We Will Rock You' is set in a futuristic imagining of Earth, now called 'Planet Mall', where everything is bland and standardized and the entire planet is controlled by the evil Globalsoft Corporation. A young man named Galileo struggles with the obedient nature of the people around him, particularly the Ga-Ga Kids who happily lap up the ministrations of Globalsoft. Despite musical instruments being completely forbidden and rock music being non-existent, Galileo hears wondrous songs and phrases in his head and he refuses to give in to Globalsoft's iron-fisted administration.
He sings 'I Want to Break Free', but is caught and arrested by one of Globalsoft's commanders, Khashoggi. Whisked away by the commander, Galileo wakes up in a hospital bed and quickly realizes he isn't alone - another rebel, a young woman, is captive beside him. The two escape and head for the streets. Khashoggi, meanwhile, is being advised by Killer Queen, the ruler of Globalsoft, that she is worried about a prophesy that states a bright young star will locate some mysterious hidden instruments and will use them to free the world from her rule. Khashoggi assures his boss that he will get to the bottom of the rumours and will crush the spirits of the Bohemian rebels who are awaiting their prophetic 'star'. On the streets, Galileo and his female friend (now named Scaramouche) meet with Meat and Brit, two Bohemians who have been trying to build their own musical instruments.
The Bohemians initially distrust Galileo but quickly realize that he is the 'star' of their prophesy, and they whisk Galileo and Scaramouche to their head-quarters. Khashoggi and his military locate the Bohemians' base and attack, forcing Galileo and Scaramouche to flee. In the ensuing fight Brit is killed, whilst the other Bohemians are captured and taken to Globalsoft's hospital. On the run, Galileo and Scaramouche realize that their meeting in the hospital was a result of having transmitters surgically placed in their brains for monitoring, and they quickly remove the gadgets.
They also realise that they have feelings for one another, but the moment is ruined when Galileo demands Scaramouche stay behind in their hiding spot for her own safety. Angered by the suggestion, she insists on accompanying him and they decide to travel to the Seven Seas of Rhye, where Galileo believes the Bohemians - now brainwashed by Khashoggi's men - will be gathering. Once there they meet Pop, a knowledgeable librarian who explains the rest of the prophecy, leading Scaramouche to figure out that the 'place of living rock' mentioned in the fortune is actually Wembley Stadium. Galileo and Scaramouche rush to the stadium, where an electric guitar is revealed once Galileo starts to sing. Scaramouche instinctively knows how to play the guitar and begins a complicated solo. Pop plays the music over the Globalsoft network, breaking the Killer Queen's spell on Earth's residents and thus defeating her evil reign.
With a sequel presently under production and the continual extension of the show's West End season, it seems safe to assume that 'We Will Rock You' will remain a featured London musical for some time yet. A fresh cast that includes Julian Littman (Pop), Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche) and Mazz Murray (Killer Queen) has replaced the original cast of Tony Vincent, Nigel Planer and Kerry Ellis amongst others; with Rachel Tucker (contestant on the reality television show 'I'd Do Anything!') due to take the part of Meat come September. It is worth noting that on special occasions some of the remaining Queen members have been known to take to the stage to perform with the musical cast, so if you are a fan of the iconic band it could be worth booking with this in mind.