I thought it was well written to include the Queen music into the story and there's some great subtle jokes using song lyrics.

The majority of the crowd (including those I went with) were quite reserved during the first half, but the second act was a completely different story. Hands waving, had clapping and people standing to each song as the show progressed made for a great atmosphere.

A superb live band (including Spike Edney who's played keyboards for Queen & Brian May tours) providing the music makes the so much better, I'm glad they didn't resort to backing tracks.

For any Queen fans out there, go see it, it's a must! For the general masses, go along, have fun and you'll probably hear songs that you didn't know were Queen! (let's face it, how many of you sing "We are the Champions" at a football match yet say you don't like them?!)

All in all, well worth the money and I'll definitely be going again!
Oh and it was nice to see Ben Elton sitting in crowd and Roger Taylor also there giving us all a wave!
Rob Dean aka_baldrick@hotmail.com
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I consider myself to have been very fortunate to have attended the very first showing.
The show exceeded my every expectation, and I thought the concept of incorporating some of the lyrics into the storyline was a very clever touch. FULL MARKS to all the production team.

As for the earlier criticism of the show, I am at a total loss to wonder what some people expect from a production. On the night I attended, the whole audience gave a standing ovation and had fully participated in the obligatory arm waving etc.

I shall be buying tickets for a repeat performance, and would have no hesitation but to recommend it to anybody. A MUST FOR ANY QUEEN FAN.
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I have read numerous articles in the press regarding this musical most of them not very glowing, so I thought I'd go myself - all I can say is that the press must have gone to the wrong show - In my opinion This is the future of Musicals - This isn't your normal snooty stuck in the past rubbish like My Fair Lady or Chicago, this is pure Rock 'n' Roll Entertainment.

Possibly the best 3 hours entertainment ever. I think the ten minute standing ovation by the whole theatre says it all. Pure Brilliance, The Cast and Live band were outstanding. So as usual the press got it wrong, Now that must be a perfect excuse to go and see it!!!!!

Chris Jenkins
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This was fantastic. I'm biased, as a fan for years, but it did not deserve some of the cruel comments made against it. In fact, I have been twice.
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This was the best show we have seen in years - anyone who misses it, will have missed out on a mind blowing experience. To you poor sad critics, please stay at home next time and watch TV, let us all have a good night out..

David and Trish Cogle - Somerset
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I am reading the reviews after seeing the show. I cannot believe anyone has anything but praise for this production.

The show quite simply upstaged any other show I have seen. The quite amazing vocal performances by a very talented cast made it an unforgettable evening.
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In my opinion the show was just great! The fact that I am a Queen fan might have influenced my judgement, but I definitely don't like everything they do (Brian May and Roger Taylor have done some pretty bad gigs lately). But this musical is probably the best I've ever seen!

A fantastic cast, superb vocals and the live band, very talented musicians, made it all perfect. Had some good laughs too, by the way. This one you just have to see (provided you don't hate Queen of course)!

Eveline
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A lavish production. Technically superb.

Despite a break in the performance at only the second scene due to a broken microphone and later a screen that wouldn't come down (these things happen with a production that is so technically state of the art.) an absolutely sensational performance.

Well amended lyrics and a cast who can cope with any thing you can throw at it. Ben Elton as writer back to his old self being politically insensitive and not worrying about who he offends.

This show is so update it is scary it could have been written yesterday. The script is easy to follow the score as one would expect superb. Any one who criticises this show is obviously not a Rock Fan this show is unfaultable even at £45 a ticket I will be going again. Superb Brilliant a technical master piece.
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Having read several reviews which stated that the original lead in this show was good on the singing but poor on the acting skills, it was a pleasant surprise to find someone else in the role last night (14th November 2002). Unfortunately I don't have this guys name but by all accounts of previous reviews this guy could be the saving of this show. His vocal and stage performance skills were excellent, adopting his own style rather than being a Mercury mimic and his acting skills in the role were stunning and I would be surprised if we don't see great things in the future from him.

The show as a whole is highly entertaining with stunning visuals, thundering music and great performances particularly from the "Killer Queen" and the "chick" interest. A rather lack lustre (but appropriate given the name !) singing performance from the "Britney Spears" character was the only downside.

Story line is not as polished as "Mama Mia" and some of the dialogue is rather cringe worthy but this is of necessity, caused in main by the lyrical content of the songs (i.e. Radio Ga Ga).

All in all a good night out if you can get through Mr Livingstone's Traffic calming measures on time.

Finally - Is that line really "Fried Chicken" ! :@)
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The show was absolutely fantastic. I am a huge fan of Queen and I think that the show does them justice. Not only did I get to see Ben Elton in the stalls, but I also got to meet Brian May, I got a photo and an autograph from the great man himself too!

Well worth the money to go and see the show.
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Went to see We Will Rock You on Wednesday 1st January 2003 and what can I say.

BRILLIANT!

FANTASTIC SONGS!

VERY FUNNY SCRIPT!

AMAZING VOICES!

Nigel Planer as an ageing hippy! No typecasting then! A young cast with fantastic voices - especially Scaramouch and Galileo Figaro and Killer Queen.

My foot was tapping all the way home.
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Fantastic show- more than worth every penny of the ticket price, I can't wait to go again.
Tony Vincent was brilliant as Galileo, superb voice and acting, worth seeing the show for his performance alone (in my humble opinion). Hannah Jane Fox also super as Scaramouche.

To everyone- go and see this show- you won't be disappointed.

Nicky Jackson
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Saw the show on 29th January 2003 and despite my misgivings - not being a particular fan of Queen - I have got to say it was absolutely brilliant. The singing was outstanding and Ben Elton's comic genius was truly evident in the script. It was a fantastic night out. The icing on the cake was when Brian May, and Liza Minnelli came and sat amongst the audience in the stalls!!!
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I've been going to the theatre for around twenty years, and in all that time, I've never come across anything so lamentable as Ben Elton's pathetic, lazy script for 'We Will Rock You'.

I hated it! - Pity, because the cast were enthusiastic and talented, - and Queen's music would still have been enjoyed by the audience if they had simply stuck to singing the songs, - without all that childish rubbish in between.

Ben Elton seems obsessed with "knob" and "shag" jokes. It made me realise just how much he depended on actors like Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson to make 'Blackadder' work. All in all, Freddie & Co deserved much better than this.
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For the first year of it's London run, I deliberately avoided "We Will Rock You" because of what I thought were unjustifiably high ticket prices. However, finding bottom price seats available for a Saturday matinee only one week in advance, I succumbed to temptation and went along to see what it was like.

I was amazed. The truly cavernous Dominion was filled with sound and emotion in a way which I had never before witnessed in London Theatre. The flair and prowess with which the musical numbers are pulled off distracts attention from a fairly poor storyline and juvenile book.

Anyone with even a passing fondness for QUEEN such as myself, would enjoy the music sufficiently to leave the theatre feeling thoroughly entertained.

I sat in stalls Row WW. The height of the circle above and the rake of the stalls gave a clear, if distant, view. This meant that, although these seats were bottom price, they were at least comparable to second-price rear stalls at other popular musicals. That said the bottom price of £27.50 is fairly similar to second price for other big shows.

Although I resent the pricing which has caused a domino effect, pushing many more shows' ticket prices up, this is definitely worth seeing.

William Cooper
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Amazing!!

Totally brilliant! Although Tony Vincent was not performing when I saw We Will Rock You, the stand-in, Andrew Derbyshire was fantastic!

I loved the beginning of the show, with the projected writing, very funny! As for the effects, the lighting was superb!

Overall, an extremely funny production, fabulous music and an electric atmosphere! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing, in fact, I am planning to go again next month!
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The staging of the show is a major plus; and if you, like me, enjoy the humour of Ben Elton and the music of Queen you will be both laughing and clapping all through the show. I left the theatre with my hands stinging and the music ringing in my ears.

I also learnt that Ben Elton enjoys popcorn - he and friends were in a box the afternoon I went and he appeared to eat a lot of the stuff! He received a round of applause from those of us that had spotted him.
The cast is like the rest of the show, full of energy and carry the audience with them. KEEP ROCKING.

Mike Melbourne
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"We Will Rock You" - well yes, the promise was more than fulfilled! A glistening feast for the eyes that leaves everyone breathless and buzzing all the way home. Who cares if the plot was a bit simple, it was crazy, fun, and the script was brimming with witty one-liners extracted from the brilliant brains of Ben Elton.

I saw the show twice but that is hardly enough (like chocolate - once you've tasted it you want more)! Luckily Tony Vincent was in it both times. That boy emits such sexual energy in his performance - sure any girl would love to be 'Scaramouche' to his slightly disturbed hero 'Galileo'. Sharon D. Clarke's 'Killer Queen' is truly larger than life and as for Nigel Planer's 'Pop' - did anyone ever watch 'The Young Ones' (he he)?

I wasn't a great fan of Queen music before I went - I am now!

Charlotte Howard
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Truly an amazing musical. best I've ever seen...I can't wait to see it again...I'm counting down the days!

Keeley
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Simply the best musical I've seen EVER! I was lucky enough to see Queen twice at Wembley (Arena and Stadium).

I dislike massive concerts and would have loved to see them somewhere like the Hammersmith Odeon. Well the Dominion must be pretty darn close to what that would have sounded like :) AND you get 2 guitarists for your money so in some ways its even BETTER than the real thing was (no offence Brian)
We've been 5 times since it started sitting dress circle front row, stalls all over and last time front row. Although the stage is quite high (too high for kids) the experience is AMAZING! You are so close... and the bass gets you right in the chest.

Can you book the boxes?

The only shame is that of late many of the shows have had understudies for the lead roles. Thats not to say they aren't fantastic too, but you always hope to get the true lead players.
To our minds, Kerry Ellis is the star of the show... she's been there every time and blows you away with "No one but you"

Tip: if you are a guitar fan, sitting over to the right hand side will allow a view up into the musicians gallery where the guitarists sit.

Daz.
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I absolutely ADORED We Will Rock You, even after the third time in four weeks I just want to see it again ... the music is fantastic, the cast incredible and the whole experience just blew me away .....

I fell in love with Tony Vincent and his beautiful voice ......... after the second time of seeing the show I went to the stage door to wait and try and get Tony's autograph (which we did eventually after waiting 40 minutes) and from somewhere above through an open window we could hear him singing ..... everything went quiet and everyone looked up ..... he is truely amazing.

I always liked Queen's music, but was never a huge fan ..... and I am sure Freddie is looking down and is sooo proud ....... you forget you're in the theatre, it's more like being at a concert!
An incredible night out!
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Having seen the show twice this year, both times with Tony Vincent, I have to agree with everything previously posted. Both times as the show has ended I've wanted to go again.

What my friends & I did find however on our 2nd visit, is that we felt much more 'connected' to the show when in the stalls, rather than up in the gods. Not sure I agree with Theatre Monkey that the show's longevity will not match Queens - I can see it becoming a cult favourite in the way of 'Rocky Horror'.

An old Queen fan
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Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We saw the show on 5th May 2004 for the second time. I was just blown away. It was even more fantastic than I had remembered it. Who is Scaramouche? It was the best acting I’ve seen in a theatre, and I really don’t know who the actress is? (Hannah Jane Fox - Ed)

Sally Wilkinson
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As a huge "Queen! fan, and also an a avid theatre goer, I feel I must add my own thoughts about this show, as everyone else on this site appears to be raving about it. From start to finish, this was the worst West End show I have ever had the misfortune to see.

How anyone can praise it is beyond me, the acting was dire, the singing nothing better than cabaret, and the way the script jumped from one "Queen" song to another, via some appalling scriptwriting, was pure comedy. I have been to many shows, including "Les Mis", "Miss Saigon", "Phantom", and the brilliant "Jerry Springer", and this is the only one where I felt embarrassed by how bad EVERYTHING was.

The problem is that my girlfriend and I were clearly the only ones there that thought this, as the show got a standing ovation...so my only words of wisdom are if you enjoy good theatre, don't see this, but if your a first time theatre goer, go and see this, then go and see "Les Mis", and you will see how West End theatre should be done... Or just buy the "Queen" DVD, and enjoy it with a bottle of wine at home...much cheaper and more entertaining.

Steve J
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Thanks again theatremonkey for the best seat info and we use it and we got them. This is the second time we have been back to see "We Will Rock You" and it's still the best show in town. I am not a great Queen fan but you can not help getting into the story and the music. A must for every one. We took our kids this time as an excuse to go back and see it again and they loved it.
David & Trish Cogle
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My wife had wanted to see this since it opened. I finally succumbed and surprised her with a visit to see the show on 7th January 2005.

Got tickets via a ticket agency and was in Row L35 and 36 in the stalls. Slightly off centre view, but a good view and not too close to the music.

As with Ben Elton's other hit, "Tonight's the Night!, the cast is made up of bit one line actors from TV programmes such as "The Bill" and other West End Shows. The fact that you have never heard of the 'stars' presented before you does not really matter.

Singing - Excellent. If Simon Cowell had been in the audience, even he would have asked them to come back again. The singing was certainly dealt with a passion (Freddie Mercury would have been proud). Although there were (surprisingly) a few understudies as the supporting cast for a Friday, their singing could not be faulted though. They probably put more into it than everyday regulars who are tiring come Friday and wanting their day off to come.

Story - Some great typical Ben Elton gags but incredibly weak storyline. At times, I felt that a particular sentence was in the script simply so it would appear to link nicely into a song.

Set - Really good and varied (London underground station set to a full blown coliseum), but the overuse of lots of TV screens at times gets a little irritating (note: different configurations of where the TV screens are on stage does not constitute a different set each time!).

If you want an evening of music and are not interested in an actual story then go and see "We Will Rock You". My wife, though, thoroughly enjoyed the show. That is what made my day and what I will remember along with the great singing voices of all of the cast concerned.

Gavin and Becky Green
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Got given two excellent tickets to see "We Will Rock You" on 22nd January 2005 and arrived in London very excited. I had been to other musical shows ("Rocky Horror" etc) but never a London gig before so was expecting good things.

I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!!!!!! Wow, from start to finish I was either wiping tears of laughter, joy or even emotion at the ever so understated tribute to 'Freddie'.

Yes I have read other review which criticise the lack of story line, but I think they somehow miss the point of the show! It is not to involve you in a gripping, complex plot, but rather as a celebration of Queen and Rock 'n'Roll, whilst cocking a snoot at manufactured trash that gets churned out to please the masses.

If you like rock - go and see it!
If you like Queen - go and see it!
If you like to stamp your feet, dance, jump around and stick two fingers up
to establishments - go and see it!

P.S. Scaramouch was amazing! So funny and the timing of her lines, Mr Elton should be proud of.

Jeremy Sargent
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Saw the show on 15th February 2005. With it being half term I didn't want to gamble on being able to get reduced price tickets, so paid full price (£26) for seats in row VV.

Theatremonkey is right. They are good value seats (considering London prices). Great view was marred by the inconsiderate fool in front, who insisted on sitting on his coat. This meant he was sat about a foot higher than everyone else, thus blocking the view of those in the three or four rows behind him. Have a thought for others mate!

Despite all that we still managed to have a great time. Every song is sung with passion. The lighting is amazing. The computer graphics mesmerizing.

Sure, the scripts not the funniest you'll find in the West End and on this showing no one involved will win prizes for acting, but that's not what it's about. It's all about having a good time. It's a rock concert, it's a party, it's chance to forget all your worries and at the end of it you can't help but be swept along by the whole thing
Thoroughly good fun and despite my initial reservations that it would be nothing more than Karaoke, we really enjoyed the show.

Tim Holloway
Norfolk
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I've been an avid user of Theatremonkey for some time now and never posted a review so thought would do on this occasionally mainly because of scathing review of WWRY posted by another user

The previous reviewer obviously has very little experience of going to 'pop' musicals, you just can't compare them with other more 'serious' musicals. Everyone knows in advance that they are basically a collection of twenty to thirty hits strung together by a tenuous story line.

I attended the performance on Monday 21 March 2005 for my partner's birthday and would have to say that from the Overture to the Final Encore the show was excellent. Yes it's a ridiculous storyline, but you are there for the show as a whole - the music , the staging , the atmosphere

I don't know who was playing the lead roles when your unhappy reviewer was in, but the two I saw playing the leads were incredibly good. You sort of come to expect that musical theatre voices aren't going to be top notch but these two really were - both had excellent vocal strength and range and performed everything with feeling and appeared to be really enjoying it

Great theatre as well , plenty of leg room (was in front row of stalls which is fine although you miss a small amount of action at rear of stage) , excellent set , excellent sound system. Only warning to anyone who hasn't been before is take your own drinks and sweets - £2.50 for a bottle of Coke does strike slightly as 'rip off' .....

I wasn't a great fan of Queen but loved every minute of the performance. Even if you only like one or two Queen hits, go and see it
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I have seen "We Will Rock You" four times and have tickets for another two times this year. This is only because it is such a fantastic show. The whole cast is amazing! Some people don't see how you can see it so many times, but I just say, "well it is that good and it changes every night, no two nights are the same."

I advise people to see it. I can't say that any one character is the best, because all the characters and cast are fabulous.

This show is well worth the money!!!

carriexxx
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Based on Theatremonkey's reviews, I went to see "We Will Rock You" for the first time with my father and his two friends. We all enjoyed the show enormously, especially the dancing in front of the huge video screens and the excellent music played by a live band. The cast was terrific. We were in half price seats in the front row of the Royal Circle and had a great view. We would recommend this show to anyone who appreciates rock music.

Miles Twist
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We went to see We Will Rock You at the weekend and wanted to say thanks on two counts! Firstly the seats were booked with the help of Theatre Monkey as usual and were really great. We had E12-17 in the stalls which were fantastic although the band was noisier than when we were in the dress circle! Fantastic for me but my mother in law was a bit shocked at first! This really is a great show and I took two friends who had never been to West End theatre before and they are now total converts!

Secondly, because I wanted good seats as it was a special occasion, we used the services of the London Theatre Club, through your website. I was very impressed with the service received and the speedy delivery of tickets!

We had a great day and I was over the moon as I managed to get several autographs from the cast afterwards as well!
Mandi
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Went to the matinee on Saturday, 27th August 2005 as a birthday present.
Not particularly a Queen fan but the first thing we looked for when we got home was "Queen's Greatest Hits" and treated our neighbours!

The show was fantastically fabulous - the music, the atmosphere was electric, our seats were great, the storyline/theme was enjoyable and understandable but best of all for us was the current Scaramouche - a little-Mo sound-alike with attitude!

She stole the show with her voice but best of all her cheeky role. Will definitely go back next year - with the girls this time.
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Our family of 5 went yesterday (thank you “Kids Week”*) and we all enjoyed it SO thoroughly! It seemed to cover the whole range and provide interest for each of us, references to characters and songs that our 7 yr old knew kept him involved, our 10 yr old was rocking in her seat and even our 12 yr old teenager enjoyed it ( I think he liked the ‘anarchy’). I can’t say that we’re particularly Queen fans, although we do appreciate the music, but right from the very start the show rocked! The cast were fabulous, enthusiastic, vibrant and talented and it was wonderful to see the musicians on stage at the end to take a bow as they deserved it!!!!

We do highly recommend it!

The Smiffs
Performance seen: 2.30pm show on 31st August 2005
* An annual London event offering discounts for children at performances for a week each August, Editor.
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I am amazed at some of the reviews I have just read. I must admit if I had read the negative ones before I went to see the show then I might not have bothered.

Luckily for me I didn't. I have just booked my eighth time and cannot wait.

This show is pure brilliance. It has everything. As a Queen fan I was wary but was not only not disappointed but came away completely blown away. Great Songs, Great Voices, Great scenery, and very very funny, I still laugh even though I know what is coming next :0)

Fantastic, a must see

Lisa,
Earls Colne, Essex
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Saw this show a couple of weeks ago (May 2006) and whilst I do like the music else I wouldn't have gone! the musical to me was a bit crazy and not the normal run we see. It was O.K. but it's not for everyone and I wouldn't see it again.

Ms Christina Brooks
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My girlfriend and I went to see 'We will rock you' at the Dominion Theatre on 29th May 2006 at 1945 hours.

We sat in seats 49 and 50 in row YY. I was a little apprehensive before going as these particular seats are given a red rating on theatre monkey. They are situated at the rear of the stalls on the left hand side, however I was pleasantly surprised at our position and the good views of the stage. There was no restriction of our view. If you are looking for a cheaper ticket price, still with good views and comfort, then these seats are the ones.

The show it's self was absolutely fantastic. Lots of witty lines that referred to stars of today which all ages of the audience could relate to. The singing and dancing was out of this world and the band....Well, what can I say! Marvellous.

Overall, my girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed this show and the whole experience. Totally recommended in my opinion.

Thank you

Kevin
Essex
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As a 13-year-old, not many people will think I don't know much about the theatre business, but I've been going to the theatre at least every month ever since I was 2 years old... and this show just blew me away (as well as the other students and teacher who go to my stage school!)

Not being really into "Queen", I thought it might be alright - but it blew me away. Everyone in the whole theatre laughed and were astounded by the singers; and I am able to say with confidence the it is definitely my favourite show of all that I have seen.

On the train journey home, all I could do was talk non-stop about it, and by the next week my godfather had bought me the soundtrack. This was in December 2005 and I am definite that I will go back with my friends again and again and again!
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"We Will Rock You" is simply the best show in London. I've seen quite a few musicals and plays, and nothing comes close to this one.
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"We Will Rock You" was FANTASTIC! I've waited over a year to see it and it was definitely worth it! The cast were brilliant and the singing was amazing, especially Scaramouche, Killer Queen and Meat! Scaramouche was brilliant, she was so funny and interesting.

A brilliant story line, with superb projections during "One Vision." Can not wait to go again with my mom and my sisters!

Charlie (13)
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January 2007. It started as it finished with a bang, it left us reeling form the decibel level, the cast was great, the story linking up the music was funny, the quality of the singing “WOW!”
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We went as a couple so here we go:

Her review:
Liked it.

His review:
I know I'm supposed to ignore the silly throwaway story and just enjoy the music (which was okay, if a little loud). At least they did manage a few topical jokes.

But I was still bothered by the inconsistencies. The villans say they're against rock music, but then endorse it by lending their voices to it. If you found a musical instrument from the past when there were none in your world, how would you know what it was, or how to use it?
When the story was over the cast sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" anyway which went down perfectly well - which to me showed that they could have dispensed with all the nonsense and just sung the songs.
At the end almost everyone stood up even though I saw no particular reason to. Steve J, if we had been there the same night as you then you would not have been alone!

On leaving I felt it would have been better to have seen the real thing at Wembley Stadium in the 80s.
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We went to see 'We Will Rock You' on 6th February 2007. I love Queen's music, but wasn't too sure what to expect, as I had not really read much about the show. I loved it - fantastic staging and sound. The plot, such as it was, was rather contrived and predictable, but the music, and cast, more than made up for it.

The cast were excellent - very talented and energetic, and looked like they were enjoying themselves. Outstanding performances from Peter Joansson as Galileo, and Jenna Lee James as Scaramouche. There are quite a lot of lines that may be a bit wasted on people under a certain age  Much frenzied audience participation at the end, which was great fun for any age!

My experience was slightly marred by the young children in the seats behind, who kept kicking the seat backs. We had stalls, row R 33 to 35. Legroom was possibly the best of any theatre I've been to so far, and the seats were wide enough for any 'fat bottomed girl' (like me!). All obtained for £25 each (and no extortionate booking fee) through the Get into London Theatre offer (January to March 2007).

One very big down point - after the show, everyone was funnelled out through the main doors - there were no fire doors opened like most places do - ending up with a massive crush... can't wait to go again though!

Ali
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