We Will Rock You – Dunmow Theatre Company, Gt Dunmow

Upon entering Foakes Hall, we were immediately struck by the impressive set design, featuring a large LED screen at the rear of the stage and an array of striking lighting rigs that created a strong visual impact from the outset.

The pre-show video announcement, reminding the audience to switch off their phones and refrain from taking photos or videos, was a fun touch that worked well with the overall tone of the production.

The opening number, Radio Ga Ga, was delivered with style and precision. The clean aesthetic of the white costumes, combined with simple yet effective choreography, created a slick and engaging start that set the tone for the evening. Overall the costumes were excellent and added to the production as a whole.

Joe Baker, as Galileo, demonstrated a strong vocal ability and brought a charming quality to the role of the uncertain dreamer. At times, however, his tendency towards over-gesticulation detracted slightly from an otherwise natural and engaging performance. Opposite him, Jessica Daniel as Scaramouche provided an excellent counterpart. Her vocal tone was warm and controlled, and she delivered her more powerful numbers with confidence and flair. The pairing worked well, with a convincing onstage dynamic.

Victoria Carey’s portrayal of Killer Queen showcased both strong vocals and commanding stage presence. Her performance was bold and entertaining, occasionally leaning towards a pantomime-style villain, though this did not detract from her overall impact. Dan Baker, as Khashoggi, also displayed a pleasing vocal quality, though his performance felt somewhat restrained in places.

Gareth Barton, as Buddy, brought excellent stage presence and impeccable comic timing, alongside a strong ability to sing a ballad beautifully.

Standout performances of the evening came from Charlotte Fage (Oz) and Shane Sykes (Brit). Both demonstrated exceptional characterisation, high energy, and undeniable charisma. Their onstage chemistry was electric, and their performances—both vocally and physically—were consistently engaging, lighting up the stage whenever they appeared.

The ensemble worked cohesively, presenting a range of interesting and well-formed characters. Supported by an offstage choir, they produced a rich and full sound. The six-piece band, under the direction of musical director David Charles Howell, provided strong musical support throughout. However, there were moments where the sound balance felt overly amplified, particularly during full company numbers. Combined with occasional issues in diction, this sometimes made lyrics difficult to hear—though the familiarity of Queen’s music likely mitigated this for much of the audience.

Overall, this was a vibrant and joyful production that delivered an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable evening. As an opening night performance, it was very engaging and will undoubtedly continue to grow in strength over the course of the run.