What do you get when you combine Queen’s legendary music, a dystopian future and a campy celebration of individuality? A high-energy extravaganza that doesn’t just entertain—it rocks. Ladysmith Little Theatre’s production of We Will Rock You is an ambitious, joyous tribute to Queen’s iconic sound and lead singer Freddie Mercury’s unapologetically bold legacy.
The thing about Freddie Mercury was that his out-of-this-world vocals and unparalleled stage presence were enough to captivate anyone, but for those attuned to his subtle hints and playful winks, he also wove deeper messages about gender and sexuality into his artistry. To use the internet vernacular, iykyk (if you know, you know).
The current production of We Will Rock You at the Ladysmith Little Theatre delivers plenty of enjoyment while similarly weaving in coded references that Mercury himself might applaud.
Set 300 years in the future, We Will Rock You envisions a world where creativity has been stamped out by the Globalsoft Corporation. Planet Earth, now the iPlanet, is ruled by the sinister Killer Queen, and live music and individuality are banned. But a prophecy foretells the rise of The Dreamer, destined to rediscover music’s power and lead a rebellion.
Enter Galileo Figaro, a young visionary plagued by fragments of ancient lyrics, and Scaramouche, a fiercely independent rebel who insists she’s no “Gaga girl”. Together, they join the Bohemians, an underground group resisting Globalsoft’s rule, on a quest to unearth a legendary guitar and restore freedom through the power of rock.
We Will Rock You is not the first musical to explore the trope of rock and roll as salvation — where music serves as a transformative and liberating force. From Hair in the 60s to Hedwig and the Angry Inch in the 90s to American Idiot in the 2000s and many others in between, We Will Rock You continues this tradition, keeping its script updated with each production to reflect contemporary references.
From the opening notes to the final encore, this production delivers a mix of humour, heart and theatrical flair. Retro-futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired costumes capture a dystopian future where the spirit of rock rebellion has become a distant memory. The show is packed with social commentary on our current tech-obsessed lives while serving up infectious musical numbers that had the audience clapping and singing along like they were at the infamous Queen performance at Wembley Stadium in 1986.
Scott Rainone, as Galileo, faced a tough challenge during the Nov. 24 matinee, performing while battling laryngitis, but the show must go on! Rainone’s commitment and vocal skill shone through, aided by a lav mic that ensured his voice carried. And what a voice it is! The Vancouver Island-born-and-raised singer spent over a decade as the vocalist of a touring band but this is his theatrical debut. Even at less than full strength, Rainone delivered a compelling performance as the dreamy dreamer, lending some rock gravitas to the production. (Check out his videos on YouTube and hold on to your hat.)
Charlotte Wright as Scaramouche grabbed the audience’s attention and heart from the second she appeared. Wright has a powerhouse voice and stage presence for days. Even in a show with so much to look at on stage, it’s hard to keep your eyes off her. Wright recently moved to the Island and is sure to feature in many upcoming local productions.
Chris Carter as Brit and Kristen Lane as Oz brought a delightful mix of energy and heart. Carter’s Brit conveyed the joy of youthful rebellion with an endearing enthusiasm, while Lane’s rock-infused solo channelled classic Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart vibes, adding grit and passion to the performance.
Johnny Ludtke got laughs pretty much every time he opened his mouth. He plays Buddy, an aged hippy character who studies ancient musical texts and recognizes Galileo as the Dreamer destined to fulfill the prophecy. With his instructions for the Bohemians to “feel the vibe” Ludtke’s Buddy feels like he just stumbled off the bus after following the Grateful Dead on tour.
Alan Holmes as Killer Queen brings a deliciously camp energy to the role. Costumed as a futuristic drag diva, Holmes shone during his performance of Don’t Stop Me Now. With time, Holmes is sure to find even more ways to embrace this dream role and own the part. As RuPaul might say, "Use all the colours in the crayon box!" As Killer Queen's evil sidekick Khashoggi, Reid Herding is delightfully despicable and so much fun to watch.
Behind the scenes, director Mike Dietrich, producer Emma Alsop, musical director Rod Alsop and assistant musical director Katarina "Kat" Skakun-Ward all deserve kudos for tackling such a complex production. The live band delivers Queen’s music with the power and energy of a full-blown rock concert. While incorporating the live band onstage would have amplified the rock concert atmosphere, it’s understandable that they couldn't, given the venue's constraints.
The choice to use the guitar solo from Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club was inspired and just one of the delightful Easter eggs hidden in the show.
Ladysmith Little Theatre’s We Will Rock You is a heartfelt celebration of Queen’s music and the enduring power of rock. Packed with clever pop culture nods, fun performances and anthems that had the audience singing, stomping and clapping along, this production is a must-see for Queen fans and theatre lovers alike.
At a recent performance, as the audience began leaving, the cast returned to the stage, continuing to sing and dance even after the final bow. This heartfelt moment reflected the cast’s obvious joy and was returned by the delighted audience. Hurry and get your tickets to this show before it sells out. You won’t want it to be over either.
Ladysmith Little Theatre presents We Will Rock You by Ben Elton (script) and Queen (music) until Dec. 15. For tickets and info visit ladysmiththeatre.com.
