THE new production and major world tour of Queen and Ben Elton’s multi award-winning rock musical We Will Rock You featuring an all-South African cast, crew and band began in Manila, The Philippines in October 2022. After touring Asia, this hit musical opened in South Africa at Montecasino’s Teatro in March 2023 to critical acclaim and rave reviews.
After a short break, We Will Rock You moves to the Cape for a four-week season at the Artscape Theatre Centre from Friday, 5 May to Sunday, 4 June 2023. Thereafter the world tour continues in various territories abroad.
We Will Rock You is not a tribute show, nor does it tell the story of Queen or the legendary Freddie Mercury. Instead, We Will Rock You is a large full scale new vision musical theatre production with its own storyline set to the music of 24 of Queen’s most popular hits, including Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Killer Queen, and the worldwide favourites We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and of course, We Will Rock You. The show is about a group of bohemians in a dystopian future without musical instruments. A handful fo rock rebels, the Bohemians together with society misfits Scaramouche and Galileo, embark on the search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and the rebirth of the age of rock.
The musical is produced by SA promoter Showtime Management in conjunction with Selladoor Worldwide, Carlos Candal, Gavin Kalin Productions and Limelight Productions. “We are pleased to re-visit this newly imagined production of We Will Rock You that combines the timeless music of Queen with the creative vision of award-winning British director, Nick Winston, performed by an exceptionally talented local cast to bring this multi-awarding show to the next generation,” says Showtime Management’s Hazel Feldman. “We Will Rock You appeals across the age spectrum, from teens and young adults to rockers from the 70s, 80s and 90s. It’s a not to be missed major show that eventually turns into a rock concert.”
The 27-member all -South African cast is a combination of established, well-known performers and fresh new talent making their musical theatre debut. Nicolette Fernandes (The Producers, Spring Awakening, URINETOWN! Sister Act) plays the leading role of the “sarcastic, cynical” Scaramouche alongside Stuart Brown (How To Date Like A F*@#&%! Grownup – A Musical Comedy (Workshop Version), Defending The Gay Man) as Galileo, the dreamer who hears strange words in his head.
Stage and screen actress, singer and dancer Londiwe Dhlomo plays the villain Killer Queen who rules Planet Mall with an iron fist, assisted by her second in command, Khashoggi, played by award-winning film, television and stage actor Craig Urbani (Chicago The Musical, Rocky Horror, Legacy, Blitzpatrolli). Tiaan Rautenbach (Jesus Christ Superstar, Binnelanders, Aspoestertjie) plays the role of Buddy who tries to figure out the “exact date the music died”. International and local musical theatre performer as well as television and feature film actor, Richard Gau (Calling Us Home, Evita, PRIME – Netflix Original) plays Brit, alongside Danelle Cronje (Doringrosie: Die Slapende Skone, Seussical, Barely Legal Showtunes) in the role of Oz. Performing on stage, alongside the seven leads is a 20-strong ensemble who perform to the six piece live band.
We Will Rock You is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Nick Winston (Annie, Loserville, Waiting for Godot) working with associate director and choreographer, Ryan-Lee Seager and assistant choreographer, Libby Watts. Stuart Morley is the music consultant and Mark Crossland is the musical supervisor. Set design is by Tom Rogers; costume design by Sarah Mercade, working with costume supervisor, Megan Rarity; lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Ben Harrison. We Will Rock You has a combined international and South African creative team including Darren Greeff (resident director and resident choreographer), Kevin Kraak (musical director), Alistair Kilbee (Technical Director, Gearhouse Splitbeam), Clement Makana (lighting), Strett Spies (sound) and Peter Taylor (company manager).
- Tickets for midweek (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 6pm): R200, R250, R320, R400
- Weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 14h00): R250, R320, R420, R500
- Terrific Tuesdays: only valid for Tuesday performances: R100, R150, R250, R350 (not valid with any other discount offer)
- 20% discount on groups of 20 and more: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 6pm performances, only valid for the top two prices. Contact Jill Somers office hours only, 9am to5pm on 079 218 1658, [email protected]
- Buy tickets here or Ticketmaster (the official exclusive ticketing agent and tickets should not be purchased from any other supplier/outlets)
- Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 8pm
- Weekends: Saturdays 3pm, 8pm; Sundays 2pm, 6pm
