Curtain Call Creative promised to rock the audience with their latest production… and rock us they did. Transporting the crowd to the dystopian world of the iPlanet, We Will Rock You brought a brimming Shanklin Theatre to its feet, where the unforgettable music of Queen drives this high-energy jukebox musical.

Following last year’s hit Joseph, this show had big shoes to fill — and it did so with confidence and flair. The story cleverly threads together Queen hits in a futuristic world where live music is banned, and a group of rebel Bohemians must fight back against the tyrannical GlobalSoft Corporation to bring back rock ‘n’ roll.

In the lead role of Galileo, Ebb Phillips was nothing short of outstanding. A former student of the company’s theatre school, Ebb made the notoriously challenging Freddie Mercury vocals seem effortless, a feat that few can achieve. His stage presence, charisma, and sheer vocal power made him a perfect choice for the role. One to watch, for sure.

Opposite him, Enid Rees gave a stellar performance as Scaramouche. With razor-sharp wit and emotional depth, she lit up the stage. The chemistry between her and Ebb was electric — their scenes together were both hilarious and heartfelt, making it hard to believe they’re still in their teens.

As Brit and Oz, Jacob Bailey and Imogen Bailey proved a dynamic duo. Jacob brought impeccable comic timing and charisma, drawing laughs with ease, while Imogen delivered a standout vocal performance with her spine-tingling rendition of No-One But You.

Nick Williams charmed the audience as the quirky Buddy, delivering laughs with his mispronunciations of ancient relics like “vie-day-oh tap-ee”. His warm stage presence and timing showcased his theatrical experience and added depth to the character.

And while the villains aren’t supposed to be liked, Holly Gardiner and Simon Wheeler made it hard not to cheer them on. Holly dazzled as Killer Queen, dominating the stage in sequins and sass, and delivering a knockout performance of Another One Bites the Dust. Simon, as Khashoggi, was equally magnetic, with commanding vocals and a formidable presence that balanced perfectly with Holly’s fiery performance.

The ensemble featured some of the Isle of Wight’s finest performers, executing intricate choreography, tight harmonies, and lightning-fast costume changes with apparent ease — all contributing to the polished, professional feel of the production.

Visually, the show impressed too. Creative costuming and clever lighting enhanced the storytelling, while minimal set design, supported by smart projection work, brought the futuristic world to life.

Musical Director Andrew Woodford led a tight and talented band through Queen’s legendary score, providing the perfect backdrop for the cast’s vocals and choreography.

Director Tony Wright squeezed every drop of comedy from Ben Elton’s script, while choreographer Becky Herszenhorn raised the bar with imaginative, high-difficulty routines that showcased the cast’s technical ability and stamina.

In short, this production was — as Queen might say — Magnifico!

There are only three more performances: running Tuesday nights throughout the summer holidays. For a night of Queen-tessential talent, get your tickets before they bite the dust.

---

Review by Bryony Bishop