We Will Rock You
Recently Updated
We Will Rock You: A Queen-Powered Triumph
"We Will Rock You" is a jukebox musical that transformed the timeless hits of Queen into a global theatrical phenomenon. Written by Ben Elton, with music and lyrics by Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, the show premiered at London’s Dominion Theatre on May 14, 2002, following previews from April 26. Set in a dystopian future where rock music is banned, it follows rebels Galileo and Scaramouche as they fight to revive individuality through Queen’s anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," and the titular "We Will Rock You." After an epic 12-year West End run, closing on May 31, 2014, it remains one of the longest-running musicals in London history, cementing Queen’s legacy on stage.
Creation and Concept
The idea for "We Will Rock You" originated in 1996 when Queen’s manager, Jim Beach, pitched a musical based on the band’s catalog. Brian May and Roger Taylor collaborated with comedian and writer Ben Elton, who crafted a futuristic satire blending Orwellian themes with Queen’s flamboyant spirit. The story unfolds on the iPlanet, a homogenized world ruled by the Globalsoft Corporation, where the Bohemians a resistance group seek the lost power of rock. Featuring over 30 Queen classics, the score was arranged by Mike Dixon and overseen by May and Taylor, ensuring authenticity. Early workshops in 2000 refined the concept, leading to its West End debut.
The Cast and Creative Team
The original London cast starred Tony Vincent as Galileo Figaro, Hannah Jane Fox as Scaramouche, Sharon D. Clarke as the Killer Queen, and Nigel Planer as Pop. Their dynamic performances brought Elton’s quirky characters to life, backed by a live band that amplified Queen’s sound. Ben Elton directed alongside producers Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal of Tribeca Productions, with May and Taylor as musical supervisors. Arlene Phillips choreographed the high-energy routines, while Mark Fisher’s set design a mix of industrial dystopia and rock concert flair earned acclaim. The creative synergy turned the show into a spectacle that honored Queen’s theatrical roots.
West End Launch and Reception
"We Will Rock You" launched amid massive anticipation, with its premiere attended by Brian May and Roger Taylor, who joined the cast for a curtain-call performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Initial reviews were mixed critics like The Guardian’s Michael Billington called it “thinly plotted” and “crude,” yet praised the music’s execution. Audiences, however, embraced it wholeheartedly, drawn by Queen’s hits and the show’s irreverent humor. By 2005, it had won the Olivier Audience Award for Most Popular Show, reflecting its fan-driven success. Over its run, it played to over 6.5 million people in London alone, defying early skepticism with sheer staying power.
Global Expansion and Milestones
The show’s success spurred international productions, starting with Madrid in 2003, followed by Australia, Germany, Japan, and Las Vegas by 2004. A UK tour launched in 2009, and a 20th-anniversary North American tour hit the road in 2023. In London, it celebrated milestones like its 4,000th performance in 2010 and a 10th-anniversary gala in 2012, featuring May and Taylor on stage. The Dominion Theatre became synonymous with the show, hosting it for 4,600 performances across 12 years. Its adaptability tweaking cultural references for local audiences helped it thrive worldwide, reportedly grossing over $1 billion globally by 2014.
Closure and Revival
"We Will Rock You" ended its original West End run on May 31, 2014, making way for "The Bodyguard" at the Dominion. The closure marked the end of an era, but its legacy endured. A reimagined UK tour began in 2021, and a 20th-anniversary production returned to London at the Coliseum in 2023 for a limited summer run, proving its staying power. Brian May hailed it as “a kind of vindication,” noting its triumph over initial critical scorn. The show’s final West End bow came with fans singing along, a testament to its communal spirit.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
"We Will Rock You" redefined the jukebox musical genre, blending Queen’s operatic rock with a bold narrative that resonated across generations. Its success inspired similar ventures like "Mamma Mia!" and "Jersey Boys," though few matched its longevity. Beyond ticket sales, it introduced Queen’s music to new audiences, bolstered by the 2018 "Bohemian Rhapsody" film. Today, it stands as a tribute to Freddie Mercury’s vision and the band’s defiance, with its rallying cry “We will, we will rock you!” echoing as a theatrical anthem for the ages.