Review! We Will Rock You - Obsidian Theatrical Productions

Opening night at The Dovehouse Theatre in Solihull proved that rock ‘n’ roll is very much alive, and in capable hands. This bold and cleverly reimagined production of We Will Rock You doesn’t just celebrate the music of Queen, it reinvents the world around it with a fresh visual identity and a clear, confident vision from director Robert Bateman. 

Even before the show begins, the production immediately stands out thanks to its striking promotional presentation. The alternative artwork by Robert Bateman, featuring bold pink and blue tones, creates a modern take on the instantly recognisable visual identity that feels fresh, stylish, and purposefully different. This is complemented by high-quality cast headshots by PhotosByJenno, which give the production a polished, professional edge and reflect the standard of the work on stage before the show opens. 

Set 300 years in the future, the story unfolds on the iPlanet, a corporate-controlled world where individuality is suppressed and all music is computer-generated. At the helm is the chilling Killer Queen (Emma Davies), who rules with precision and menace, supported by her imposing chief of police Khashoggi (Richard Bateman). When rumours of a prophecy begin to surface, of a “dreamer” who will rediscover lost instruments and bring back real music, the leader and her sidekicks move quickly to silence any rebellion. 

Enter Galileo (Sam Turner), an outsider plagued by fragments of song lyrics in his dreams, and Scaramouche (Hannah Thomas), a sharp-witted misfit with plenty of attitude. Together, and with the help of the rebellious Bohemians, led by Buddy (Terry Deering), Oz (Mary Butler), and Brit (George Haughie), they set out to rediscover the lost spirit of music, guided by the eccentric librarian Buddy. What follows is a high-energy journey of rebellion, identity, and rediscovery, culminating in a powerful reminder of what music, and rock ‘n’ roll, really stands for: fun, energy, togetherness, and just the right amount of rebellion. 

Musically, this production shines. Under the direction of musical director and conductor Phil Ypres-Smith, the live band, featuring Pete Hurst and Mark Willetts on guitar, Thomas Marsh on bass, and Reece Downton on drums, brings Queen’s iconic sound thrillingly to life. There’s something undeniably special about hearing these songs performed live, and the energy from the band feeds directly into the performances on stage. 

Vocally, the production is consistently strong throughout, with impressive harmonies and a high standard of ensemble singing that helps carry the scale of the show in such an intimate space. The blending of voices across both ensemble and principals gives the production real musical depth. 

Sam Turner’s Galileo is a hit, delivering strong, confident vocals, while Hannah Thomas brings sharp comic timing and undeniable presence to Scaramouche. The pair are a great contrast in character and perfectly complement each other in performance. Emma Davies commands the stage as Killer Queen with a deliciously sinister edge, perfectly balanced by Richard Bateman’s controlled and imposing Khashoggi. Terry Deering’s Buddy adds warmth and humour, while Mary Butler (Oz) delivers a particularly moving performance during No-One But You, enhanced by a beautifully executed projection sequence. George Haughie’s Brit brings great comedic moments, adding to the show’s lively tone. 

A real highlight of the production is the strength and versatility of the ensemble, who transition seamlessly throughout the show. From the polished, stylised “Gaga kids” of Globalsoft, to the fierce, commanding Killer Queen’s posse, and finally into the raw, anarchic energy of the Bohemians in their rebel base, the ensemble work is consistently engaging and sharply defined. It gives the world of the show real texture and movement, and shows a strong understanding of character-driven physical storytelling. 

The ensemble, Alice Bennett, Bethany Waller-Scott (who also choreographs), Callum Byrne, Georgia Harley, Harry Clapham, Melanie Bateman, Miya Mitchell, Natalia Malart, Robert Bateman, and Sarah Jennings, maintain strong energy throughout, supporting the principals and driving the production forward with cohesive, high-quality performances. It’s also great to see opportunities for alternate casting, with Miya Mitchell (Killer Queen), Georgia Harley (Oz), and Callum Byrne (Brit) stepping into the spotlight during the Saturday matinee. 

Visually, the production makes excellent use of the intimate Dovehouse Theatre space. Robert Bateman’s set design, supported by Callum Byrne and Cameron Kyffin, is both versatile and inventive, with clever use of trapdoors for Bohemian entrances. Lighting and sound by Soundlighting UK play a crucial role in defining the iPlanet, sharp colour changes signal shifts in location and tone, with particularly striking moments during Khashoggi’s entrances. The use of projection adds depth, especially in more emotional scenes, while UV elements in set and props elevate numbers like

Radio Ga Ga and Flash. And yes, the motorbike in Headlong gets the moment it deserves! 

Choreographically, Berhany Waller-Scott introduces a fun, modern twist, particularly with the Gaga Girls’ TikTok-inspired, stylised movements, an effective and slightly unsettling nod to the hyper-controlled world of Globalsoft that feels closer to reality than we might like. 

Highlights are plentiful: the polished, clinical opening of Radio Ga Ga sets the tone perfectly; Bohemian Rhapsody delivers vocally and emotionally; Headlong bursts with energy; and the audience participation moments, especially Galileo’s Freddie Mercury-inspired call-and-response, bring the room together in true Queen fashion. By the time We Are the Champions rolls around, arms are raised and the atmosphere is bubbling. 

Ultimately, this We Will Rock You is a vibrant, feel-good celebration of music and individuality. It’s a reminder of the power of live performance and the incredible talent that exists within local theatre. Productions like this prove that you don’t need an iconic stage to create something special, sometimes, it’s tucked away in theatres just like this. 

Highly recommended for Queen fans, musical lovers, and anyone who believes that rock ‘n’ roll shouldn’t just be loud and joyful, but also a little bit rebellious! The show runs until 13th September, the iPlanet awaits you! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviewed by Taylor Simner for The Theatre Flyer