We Will Rock You (PLOS Musical Productions), at Frankston Arts Centre - 2 hours 40 minutes, including interval

Powered by super group Queen’s magnificent repertoire, PLOS’ We Will Rock You is a hyper energetic production.

Any good rock concert is big on sound, lighting and staging and this jukebox musical nails that.

We are in a dystopian future. The premise is trying to save rock ‘n roll 300 years from now.

Truth be told, there is a lot of fun and silliness in the narrative, which the fine cast plays up to great effect.

Photos by Dylan Norrington

Earth as we know it, is no longer.

Instead, it has been renamed iPlanet, a place where control and uniformity of thought are paramount.

In charge is Globalsoft Corporation, run by Killer Queen.

Musical instruments and rock music are forbidden.

Not surprisingly, Globalsoft faces backlash from rebels, known as Bohemians.

Ageing hippy librarian Buddy recognises the importance of rock’s legacy and has gathered keepsakes that point to a bygone era.

Word has gotten out that the ultimate symbol of rock music has been secreted away and Killer Queen orders police commander Khashoggi to crack down.

Among the non-conformists is a strange fellow named Galileo who has vivid dreams and hears strange words in his head.

Whilst he doesn’t know what they mean, they are, in fact, the lyrics to Queen’s rock songs.

Another who doesn’t run with the pack is a young goth girl that Galileo names Scaramouche.

Only when the two get together is there a chance of Globalsoft’s smothering edict being overturned and Killer Queen getting her comeuppance.

With music and lyrics by Queen and book by Ben Elton, We Will Rock You premiered in London’s West End in 2002, opening in Melbourne the following year.

PLOS’s production is infused with anti-authoritarian spirit.

Duane McGregor gives the clueless dork Galileo an edge, as he rises to become the unlikely hero.

Martika Cetinich is a revelation as Scaramouche, injecting great personality, humour and girl power into the role. Her interplay with McGregor is priceless.

Peter Noble is a comic delight as the rock ‘n roll stalwart Buddy. He also knows how to work up a crowd.

Shanae Thomas-Williams brings authority to Killer Queen, strutting about as if she owns the place.

Not to be outdone, except by Killer Queen, Mark Judd emanates entitlement as the supercilious Khashoggi.

Then there is a pair of Bohemians suspicious of Galileo and Scaramouche. Gemma Purdy has a big voice and enduring presence as Oz, while Robbie Wilton is a powerful force as Brit.

The leads and vibrant ensemble, along with a stellar band, conducted by musical director Nathan Firmin, give Queen’s back catalogue a more than decent workout.

The musical is distinguished by Patrick Edwards and Steve Cooke’s dynamic sound design and Ian Scott’s grand lighting design, which is simply the best going around.

I loved the diverse and colourful range of costumes, which give the characters a lift. They are the endeavour of Brett Wingfield.

A huge Earth-like video screen is used to great effect throughout the production.

The choreography by Venessa Paech and direction from Paul Watson, along with resident director Owen James, provide We Will Rock You will necessary zip.

It moves along at pace, finishing with Queen’s inspired and enduring anthem Bohemian Rhapsody, undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever written.

PLOS’s production is uplifting, entertaining and amusing.

It is on at Frankston Arts Centre until 2^nd August, 2025.

To buy tickets, go to https://plos.asn.au