Review: We Will Rock You at Darlington Hippodrome

Invited: Reviewed by Stephen Stokoe on October 29, 2026

I always look forward to seeing Darlington Operatic Society’s (DOS) productions. I am a huge fan of community theatre and DOS exemplifies just how good this can be with show after show demonstrating superb casting, high standards, and above all, the whole company are clearly thoroughly enjoying what they are doing. Tonight was certainly no exception.

We Will Rock You showcases the musical genius and extensive back catalogue of rock legends Queen. You have to be good to get this right. DOS pitched it perfectly with some amazing vocals, an exquisitely selected band – who were also obviously enjoying themselves. Some video wall wizardry which perfectly fitted the setting of the story set many years into the future where individual musical flair has been banned and the world is under the tyranny of the shady Globalsoft CEO Killer Queen (Rhiannon Walker).

The story, written by Ben Elton, is frankly bonkers but the important thing, in my opinion, is that it should not take itself too seriously, and it works better if it is played for laughs. Director, Joanne Hand understood this and stages it perfectly.

Taking on the romantic lead this evening was Harrison Bateman in the role of Galileo Figaro and he was amazingly cast. His Galileo exuded innocence and boyish charm, endearing himself to the large audience. Alongside him was Scaramouche (Grace Mansfield), who complemented Bateman perfectly. The pair sang incredibly well together and were believable in their respective roles.

The outstanding performance for me came from Leighton Taylor-Jones as Buddy who owned that stage from the moment he entered. This talented performer was channeling his inner Fagin in characterisation, comic timing, and some excellent singing of his own. Ben Connor also excelled in the role of Brit alongside a free spirited Oz (Claire Willmer.) Their chemistry worked very well indeed and Willmer knows how to knock out a tune.

That leads me on to the band. Steven Hood, as musical director, has excelled himself this year in training these performers not just in musical theatre but also in a rock style. This cannot have been an easy task – they are very different. You cannot do We Will Rock You without an outstanding band. Hood has assembled a band that are up to the challenge. Paul McArthur, Peter Morris, and Alex Young deserve great credit for their guitar work. Ben Smith and Mark Thompson tickle the ivories amazingly, and Paul Walker and Malcolm Dick provide a fantastic percussion section.

^{Photo credit: Scott Akoz}

I would like to name check all of the ensemble too because Hand as Choreographer has drilled them in some amazing dance pieces which are a joy to watch for their intricacy and serious wow factor. Take a bow the whole lot of you.

And now to the villains of the piece. Julian Cound is delightfully pompous and foreboding as Killer Queen’s right-hand man Commander Khashoggi. He too has impeccable comedy timing in this role and is thoroughly enjoying himself alongside Walker as Killer Queen who oozes sensuality. I cannot leave this section without mentioning the costumes and make up both of which were absolutely outstanding. This is by no means a one person job with wardrobe, a costume team, dressers and a make up team from Middlesbrough College doing a simply sterling job.

This evening, I had the pleasure of watching Team Lightning with other performances being Team Thunderbolt who I have no doubt are equally as committed to a stunning performance.

I have seen a number of versions of this musical in recent months. This production by DOS could easily go out on tour and thrill audiences as much as it did this evening. It is a show that is not to be missed.

Darlington Operatic Society’s production of We Will Rock You is running at the Darlington Hippodrome until 7th November 2026. Tickets are available from darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk