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Review: We Will Rock You - Edinburgh Playhouse

We Will Rock You is back at the Edinburgh Playhouse for six weeks to ensure that it’s a rockin’ Christmas for all this festive season. Thursday’s Gala Night performance in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust featuring a special appearance from Queen legend Brian May was a fitting tribute on World Aids Day.

The smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical is on the last stop of its current UK tour and not every show gets a six week residency and can be assured of high ticket sales but this show is different. The touring production is a scaled down version from its big brother at the Dominion Theatre in London but it punches well above its weight. There are additions to the book that were tour / location specific that I found a little patronising but I don’t think the other 3000 people minded.

Noel Sullivan and Amanda Coutts are a formidable Galileo / Scaramouche pairing. Scaramouche is a cracking character and Coutts plays it superbly. The addition of Scottish flag underwear certainly won over the home crowd! Rhydian Roberts brings his own unique character choices to Killer Queen’s hapless underling Khashoggi. Killer Queen is brought to life by Scot and former I’d Do Anything contestant Ashley J Russell who is joining the We Will Rock You tour for the second time. Russell and Roberts energise each other as the evil duo and there is definitely an element of the pantomime villain to Roberts’ Khashoggi. Fellow Scot Jenny Douglas is superb as the Bohemian Meat and her great chemistry with Britney (Leon Lopez).

The icing on the cake for the audience after a tremendous show was the appearance of Brian May on stage. His appearance was an absolute treat for every Queen fan in the building and a reminder why everyone had bought tickets in the first place. The rapturous audience soaked up his appearance while dancing on their feet. The beating heart of this musical is Queen’s music and whatever critics say about the show as a credible piece of musical theatre, no one can deny the music is the soul and rock fans across the globe will back that up. So for a rockin’ treat this winter visit the Edinburgh Playhouse.

We Will Rock You is set to rock Scottish crowds until 7th January 2012.

PERFORMANCES

Performances: Mon - Sat 7.30pm, Wed and Sat 2.30pm
Ticket Price: £17.00 - £43.50
Booking Line: 0844 871 3014
Website: www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

Review by Rachel Matheson

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