We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You is a rock musical based on the songs of British rock band Queen by Ben Elton (1959-)[1].

Also referred to as WWRY.

Not to be confused with We Will Rock You!, the alternative title for the South African tribute Queen at the Opera

The original text

The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown.

The original West End production opened at the Dominion Theatre on 14 May 2002, directed by Christopher Renshaw and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

2006: A production by Hazel Feldman, done in association of the international director Andrew Pole, choreographer Lisa O'Dea and Music Supervisor Mike Dixon, opened at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre on 9 May. The local team was made up of Bryan Schimmel as music director, Jill Somers as resident choreographer and Bryan Hill as director. The ensemble consisted of Francois Schreuder, Helen Burger, Vicky Sampson, Helen Goldberg, Neels Clasen, Murray Todd and Malcolm Terrey. The musical went on to play at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town (from 25 July) and the Playhouse Opera in Durban (29 September to 29 October).

2023: Presented by Showtime Management in conjunction with Selladoor Worldwide, Carlos Candal, Gavin Kalin Productions and Limelight Productions, at Artscape Theatre Centre and Montecasino’s Teatro featuring an all-South African cast, crew and band. With Nicolette Fernandes, Stuart Brown, Londiwe Dhlomo, Craig Urbani, Tiaan Rautenbach, Richard Gau and Danelle Cronje. Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston working with Associate Director and Choreographer, Ryan-Lee Seager and assistant Choreographer, Libby Watts. Stuart Morley is the Music Consultant and Mark Crossland is the Musical Supervisor. Set design by Tom Rogers; costume design by Sarah Mercade, costume supervisor, Megan Rarity; lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Ben Harrison. The South African creative team includes Darren Greeff (Resident Director and Resident Choreographer), Kevin Kraak (Musical Director), Alistair Kilbee (Technical Director, Gearhouse Splitbeam), Clement Makana (Lighting), Strett Spies (Sound) and Peter Taylor (Company Manager).