Critically Panned: Ben Elton and Queen’s “We Will Rock You” Musical Faces Scathing Reviews at London Coliseum

…By Larry John for TDPel Media.

The Disappointing Musical:

“We Will Rock You,” a musical collaboration by Ben Elton and Queen, has been met with scathing criticism, as it is deemed one of the most cynically produced pieces of entertainment ever witnessed.

The integration of Queen’s impressive greatest hits into a nonsensical futuristic storyline is perceived as insultingly haphazard.

The onstage band manages to meet a low bar of adequacy, but the same cannot be said for the two singing styles presented, which are both equally unclear and loud.

Underwhelming Elements:

The choreography of the musical evokes imagery reminiscent of an aerobics video, while the projected sets appear vestigial and the costumes are considered appalling.

The acting is characterized by over-the-top performances and preemptive nods that acknowledge the subpar nature of the entire production.

This critique raises questions about why English National Opera, a reputable institution, would make way for such an unworthy performance at the Coliseum.

A Dystopian Plot:

The musical is set in the near future, where a company called Globalsoft, led by BDSM cosplayers Killer Queen (Brenda Edwards) and Khashoggi (Lee Mead), has banned live music.

Instead, the population is fed mindless content through their phones. This premise sets the stage for a modified version of Queen’s “Radio Gaga,” featuring reworked lyrics.

The arrival of Galileo Figaro (Ian McIntosh), a jittery nerd who communicates mainly through song lyrics beamed into his brain, introduces the concept of a rebel group called the Bohemians.

Galileo meets a sullen and sarcastic fellow misfit, whom he names Scaramouche (Elena Skye), setting off a series of encounters.

Flawed Execution:

The musical continues to unfold, blending an aimless dystopian backdrop, clichés, and juvenile humor.

Ben Elton, not only the co-creator but also the director, fails to provide a cohesive vision.

Additionally, Elton’s portrayal of Bohemian leader Pop falls short.

Despite the inclusion of iconic Queen songs like “Under Pressure,” “One Vision,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now,” their relevance dwindles, and the performance devolves into a disjointed, cruise-ship-style spectacle.

The Controversial Encores:

The inevitable encore of “Bohemian Rhapsody” featured a special appearance by guitarist Brian May, who delivered some lackluster solos.

While Queen’s catalog and Elton’s vast experience across various media are undeniably impressive, the production of “We Will Rock You” is seen as a lazy and exploitative endeavor.

Conclusion:

The critical review of “We Will Rock You” at the London Coliseum highlights the musical’s shortcomings, including a slapdash execution, a poorly crafted plot, and diminishing relevance of the iconic Queen songs.

Despite its initial success, the current production is deemed lazy and exploitative, lacking the creativity and coherence expected from such a revered collaboration.

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