Ian Cheeseman is blown away by Stockport Drama Dept’s electrifying production of the Queen jukebox musical at the Plaza, where powerhouse performances and rock-star energy delivered a night to remember.
Next time you fancy a night out at the theatre, don’t just think about watching those who do it for a living. My latest trip to the Stockport Plaza was for the Queen jukebox musical We Will Rock You, and the show was as slick, skilful, awesome and professional as it gets. The performers on stage might not have been paid, but you’d never have known.
The seven main cast members were top class, every single one of them. The band, led by musical director Paul Lawton, was epic; his guitarist would have made Brian May proud. The ensemble’s performance of crowd-pleasers such as Radio Gaga was a feast for the eyes.
The sound, lighting and staging were seamless and never missed a beat. Director Michael McCaw got the very best from the huge ensemble, but it was the main cast who lifted the show to the level of exceptional. Ian Chatterton as Buddy, Demi Griffiths as Britney Spears and Caitlin Sturgeon as Oz all sang with heart and conviction. Gary Jones brought menace as Khashoggi, while Dawn Leigh’s Killer Queen combined sharp humour with powerful, dramatic vocals. Both were consistently brilliant.
The real highlight, though, was the two leads. Mike Miller as Galileo was every bit the rock star, it felt like a role he was born to play. He nailed both the slightly confused persona of the hero and the show’s big musical moments. But the standout talent on stage was Kayleigh Ann Strong as Scaramouche.
From the moment she stepped on stage, she owned it. Her singing was electric, her comic timing razor-sharp, and her physical performance faultless. Every note she sang was worthy of the West End. Having seen her previously in Sister Act as Deloris Van Cartier, I’m convinced she has the talent to grace any London stage. If that’s where her ambitions lie, I’ll be first in line for a ticket.
Every time I see a production from Stockport’s Drama Dept I walk away impressed. The standards they achieve are remarkable. Having recently watched professional productions of Moulin Rouge and Here and Now: The Steps Musical in Manchester, I can honestly say Drama Dept’s We Will Rock You was at least their equal – and tickets cost a lot less.
Support them if you can. Their next big show is Dear Evan Hansen, also at Stockport Plaza. Don’t miss it!
Tickets available: https://stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/the-drama-dept-presents-we-will-rock-you/