Review: We Will Rock You at the Arts Theatre

If you thought We Will Rock You was just a jukebox musical stitched together with Queen’s greatest hits, think again. Pelican Productions have supercharged this cult favourite with a rebellious spark, creating a show that felt like a rock concert colliding headlong with polished youth theatre. Director Vanessa Lee Shirley led with a clear vision, balancing Ben Elton’s playful script with genuine emotion and an abundance of spectacle.

Pelican has long been a powerhouse in Adelaide’s youth theatre community, known for staging musicals that rival professional companies. This production proved exactly why, delivering a polished and exhilarating night that showcased the extraordinary depth of local talent.

From the opening thunderclap under the musical direction of Michael Griffiths, who was in the original Australian touring show, the music roared with precision and drive. Griffiths ensured Queen’s anthems retained their grandeur without ever overwhelming the singers. Carla Papa’s choreography pulsed with vitality, matching the rhythms of the score while weaving in clever details that gave the ensemble moments of individuality. The movement was bold, expressive and constantly engaging.

The cast delivered knockout performances. Juliette Keir dominated as Killer Queen – a diva with razor-sharp presence and vocals that soared. Lachlan Nash gave delicious smugness as Khashoggi, balancing menace with camp humour that had the audience grinning. Freddie Windle’s Buddy brought warmth, wit and heart, while Henry Green and Mady Romijn (Brit and Oz) exploded with energy as the rebel lovers, their chemistry sparking in every duet.

At the centre, Patrick Longden embodied Galileo with charm, blending vulnerability with rock-star bravado. Alongside him, Chloe Molineux as Scaramouche was magnetic – sarcastic, quick-witted and vocally outstanding. Their duets, ‘Somebody to Love’ and ‘Under Pressure’ fizzed with humour and tension. And in the finale, Longden’s voice reached stadium-worthy heights, delivering a spine-tingling climax that brought the crowd to its feet.

The ensemble deserves immense praise. Numbers like ‘Radio Ga Ga,’ ‘Another One Bites the Dust,’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ pulsed with attitude, tight harmonies and unrelenting energy. Every chorus, dance break and backing vocal added fuel to the fire, creating a true sense of rebellion swelling from the stage. Their presence gave the production its heartbeat, and their stamina never faltered.

Jason Dew’s industrial set of scaffolds and steel created gritty urban textures, while Mark Oakley’s striking lighting design bathed the stage in colour and shadow. Together, they shaped an atmosphere that shifted seamlessly from dystopian wasteland to pulsating rock arena.

By the final notes of Bohemian Rhapsody, the audience were already clapping, stomping and cheering with abandon. This wasn’t simply a youth production; it was a fully-fledged rock spectacle, delivered with passion, polish and a cheeky wink.

What makes it even more thrilling is that it comes from local talent right here in Adelaide.

Pelican Productions have once again proved that South Australia cultivates outstanding young performers, and We Will Rock You was a shining reminder of just how vibrant our arts scene truly is.

‘a rebellious, high-voltage spectacle – We Will Rock You will have you clapping, stomping and cheering for more!’

4.5 stars

Lia Loves.