We Will Rock You – Darlington Operatic Society
Don't Stop Them Now! Darlington Operatic Society Rocks the Hippodrome
There are certain things audiences have come to expect from Darlington Operatic Society: outstanding musical performances, impressive production values and a level of theatrical ambition that consistently challenges the distinction between amateur and professional theatre. Now, for their autumn production, the society has turned up the volume and brought the unmistakable sound of Queen to Darlington Hippodrome with We Will Rock You.
Following the success of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the society has chosen a very different challenge, swapping biblical colour for futuristic rebellion, outrageous comedy and some of the greatest rock anthems ever written. And in doing so, they've turned the dials all the way up to 11.
Written by Ben Elton and featuring the music of Queen, We Will Rock You transports audiences to a dystopian future where individuality has been suppressed, musical instruments are forbidden and the all-powerful Globalsoft Corporation controls virtually every aspect of life. Originality is a distant memory, conformity is compulsory and rock 'n' roll has all but disappeared.
Enter Galileo and Scaramouche, two unlikely rebels who refuse to accept a world without freedom of expression. Their journey brings them into conflict with the formidable Killer Queen and her sinister enforcer Khashoggi, while introducing them to the Bohemians, a band of musical misfits determined to rediscover the lost power of rock.
It's a wonderfully ridiculous premise, packed with Ben Elton's irreverent humour, contemporary cultural references, affectionate musical nods and a surprisingly enduring message about individuality, creativity and the importance of daring to be different. But, of course, the real stars of the show are those unforgettable Queen songs.
A Kind of Magic
Luke Oldfield takes on the central role of the reluctant hero, a character who must balance youthful uncertainty with the growing confidence of someone discovering his destiny. Queen songs are always a challenge. Written, performed and made legendary by Freddie Mercury, they demand a vocal range and charisma that many famous singers have either avoided attempting or struggled to match. But boy, oh boy, can Luke sing! Whether delivering a ballad, belting out a rock anthem, leading the company or commanding the stage alone, he captures Freddie's charisma, range and soul with extraordinary aplomb.
Alongside him, Katie Wilson has one of the show's most entertaining characters to explore. Sharp-witted, independent and gloriously unimpressed by Galileo's occasional self-importance, Scaramouche provides much of the story's humour and heart. Matching Luke's remarkable vocal versatility, Katie is powerful yet wonderfully understated, instantly likeable and a terrific actor. Their duet on Hammer to Fall is, quite simply, one of the best duets I've ever witnessed on stage.
Every great rebellion needs a suitably formidable villain, and Rhiannon Walker commands the stage with devilish theatrical excess. Channelling something of Tina Turner's Acid Queen from Tommy, she is deliciously evil, relishing every opportunity to dominate proceedings. Supported by the evergreen Julian Cound as Commander Khashoggi, the corporation's ruthless enforcer, the villains bring their own irresistible blend of menace and comedy.
The Bohemians, including Christian Brabin as Brit and Kate Inglesant as Oz, provide the rebellious, chaotic and gloriously rocking spirit that drives the story forward, with fabulous chemistry and no shortage of attitude. Add to that my favourite Dosser, Leighton Taylor-Jones, who, as Buddy, somehow melds Oliver's Fagin with Rock of Ages' Lonny. I'd have to watch this production several more times to catch all his jokes, inflections and brilliantly delivered ad-libs.
The Show Must Go On
Under the direction and choreography of Joanne Hand, this production doesn't just have the ingredients for a spectacular theatrical experience; it has the passion and love to ensure every member of the audience feels it. Jo has been the heartbeat of DOS for many years, yet she still manages to amaze with her ability to bring so many performers together in spellbinding routines delivered with meticulous precision. I'd go so far as to suggest this is her Opus Optimum, a brilliant example of choreography at its finest, performed by a company clearly loving every moment.
Musical Director Steven Hood faces the considerable challenge of bringing Queen's legendary sound to the theatre, but does so with consummate ease. The band is tight, the riffs instantly recognisable, yet there's an unmistakable energy that comes from hearing these songs performed live rather than simply recreating a Queen recording.
Special mention must also go to Wardrobe Manager Linda Sams and her costume team, who, alongside the make-up team from Middlesbrough College, brilliantly deliver the visual contrast between the futuristic police and Globalsoft personnel, the rebellious Bohemians and the ageing rock stars. It's another example of the extraordinary attention to detail that makes DOS productions so impressive.
We Are the Champions
With an ensemble of more than 50 performers, including seven making their society debut, the large-scale musical numbers offer plenty of opportunities for DOS to demonstrate one of its greatest strengths: bringing a stage alive through the combined talents and enthusiasm of its entire company.
The packed house was treated to a smorgasbord of rock delights, all served up on a golden platter of DOS excellence. This is musical theatre delivered with passion, precision and a level of professionalism that would be the envy of any touring production.
Darlington Operatic Society has once again demonstrated why it enjoys such an enviable reputation, and on this evidence, We Will Rock You might just be one of its finest achievements yet. When a show really is this good, there's no point hiding your light under a bushel. Or, in this case, under Brian May's magnificent hair so all that remains to be said is get your tickets now, or you might go (Radio) Ga Ga!
We Will Rock You runs at Darlington Hippodrome from 28 October to 7 November 2026. Tickets are available through Darlington Operatic Society. https://www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk/
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