Henley first to rock up with Queen musical

HENLEY Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is performing an homage to the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen for its next show.

We Will Rock You takes the band’s songs and, with a book by Ben Elton, tells the story of a dystopian future, where there are no musical instruments.

The Bohemians, a group of rock rebels, are fighting against company Globalsoft, which is run by the Killer Queen.

When Scaramouche and Galileo are sick of conforming in the corporation, they join the Bohemians in a search for freedom, love and the power of rock.

Choreographer Emma-Jane Taylor says: “This is such a big show for Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and for Henley. It’s only just come out for local theatre and HAODS are the first one in — we are the first local theatre adult group to do this in the UK.

“Obviously, it’s a fantastic show and we’re bringing Freddie back to life in the performance and with this musical.”

Directed by Mark Hampshire, with music direction by Jane Southern, the cast comprises Steve Jewell as Galileo, Natalie Godding as Scaramouche, Richard Falkus-Holder as Brit and Laura Gatland-Hanlon as Oz. Melissa Wickens is the Killer Queen, Saira Falkus-Holder is Khashoggi, Alex Staunton is Buddy and Samantha Riley is the Teacher.

The ensemble is made up of Laura Riley, Stuart Riley, Marley Seville, Katie Bland, Becky Staunton and Nathan Jones. Betty-Mae Cowley and Erin Moses play Police/Guards.

Emma-Jane adds: “I can’t tell you how much talent is in this cast. I’ve worked professionally throughout my life and in the latter years I’ve been working at StageWorks with children and now with my own activities in my businesses with adults. But actually to work with HAODS is a privilege because, honestly, the cast are phenomenal.

“I mean, they’re absolutely the best local theatre cast I think I’ve ever worked with, from every single person, because from the dance troupe to the principal leads.

“It’s just one great big blend of talent and we need to celebrate that.

“I came out of choreography retirement because I haven’t done a show for quite a few years and I said I’d only come out for this show and one other, which is Chicago.

“Now that I’m back doing this with HAODS, I’m thoroughly enjoying this again and actually being with local theatre.

“What I’d really like to see Henley do is come together as a community, because HAODS has been in the town for years.

“The community coming together, why don’t they do pre-dinner meals? There’s so much going on all the time and coming together for HAODS would be brilliant.

“Director Mark Hampshire is a well-known local actor. He’s predominantly done stuff for Wokingham Theatre, he usually does straight plays and straight acting so this is his introduction to musical theatre and he is absolutely smashing it, along with Jane, the musical director.

“The cast wants everyone to enjoy their production, sit back and enjoy listening to their eight-part harmonies.

“The Saturday matinée is with a signing interpreter. The excitement is building and it’s a community affair.”

l Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society presents We Will Rock You at the Kenton Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday, November 12 to 15 at 7.45pm, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm. For more information, call the box office on (01491) 525050 or visit thekenton.org.uk