It is a well-known fact in Perth that patrons have to stay seated at theatre events or live shows. We have all seen ushers and staff heading to sections of the crowd to relay the instructions to “stay seated” and this seems even more evident at shows where your feet just want to stand you up and dance the night away. Well, if that’s what you want to do then wait no further, grab your tickets and head to the wonderful Venue 360, nestled in a secluded part of Burswood and get involved in The We Will Rock You Experience.
The night began before we even entered with Khashoggi (Clay Darius) greeting the waiting crowds that are gathering before doors open. Patrolling the increasingly lengthening line, he picks out individuals questioning attire (“you need to pull those socks up”) and questioning if people are here “for a good time” (all while in character). A nice distraction and it passes the time perfectly.
Upon entering I was amazed what unfolded in front of me. A brilliantly equipped revolving stage with state of the art lighting and screens mounted around the walls of the venue – very impressive. A nicely stocked bar catered for every taste and different seating sections allowed for varying views. We were situated in the Sky Lounge, sat a the highest point and the furthest section from the stage but with an excellent view of the show. With a private bar and table service, it was something I would defiantly look to purchase for future shows. Cast members weaved in and out of the now growing crowd, interacting while all in character and handing out cards denoting the pledge for the show (yes, we all had to recite it – great fun).
Our evening began with Buddy (James Hancox) standing to the side of the crowd asking for phones to be turned off and getting us to repeat the pledge, promising to enjoy the night by having as much fun as possible basically.
Having seen each and every version of WWRY that has been put together by Platinum I was intrigued how this would play out on this stage and with a smaller ensemble. It didn’t take long for the all familiar feel-good factor to wash over me as the tunes of Queen filled the air. The dance troupe of four were impeccable with their timing, using every inch of the stage, while the curved rear screen was used to wonderful effect through the production, as was the rotating stage.
We were introduced to our hero Galileo (Nicholas Cruse), reprising his role from the 2023 version, with his clear and well presented delivery and the ability to comfortably perform upside down (no spoilers here). Scaramouche, played also by the returning Kelsey Cruse, was fun, bright with a fabulous vocal and the fact that the two main roles were performed by a husband and wife team, gave a natural chemistry during the comic segments but even more so during the musical moments.
The Brit/Oz combo has always been a stand-out partnership in this show and tonight we weren’t to be disappointed with Brit (Mikey Keith) & Oz (Melissa Gall) injecting fabulous humour with their main introductory scene, as well as emotion with Oz’s performance of ‘No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)’, which once again brought a tear to my eye and lump to my throat such is the emotive build up by the Bohemians, culminating in them surrounding her as the song draws to a close – goosebump stuff.
Killer Queen tonight was played by Maddy Batten and one thing I love about Platinum is their commitment to allowing long-time cast members to progress & shine – I remember seeing Maddy in various productions over many years but tonight it was her time to take a leading role. Killer Queen has had some dominant performers in the past and is a role that can be quite intimidating to any young actress but Batten delivered her interpretation with a sassy confidence and a cheeky wickedness, spreading fear over all including her evil underling Khashoggi.
The highlights to this version of the show aren’t just centred around the impressive cast as throughout the production, lyrics flash across the impressive rear wall screen – yes, you are most definitely encouraged to sing a long, and get up and dance if you really feel like it. Blow up air guitars are launched into the crowd, as cast members search for a ‘Brain May’ to help play the iconic solo during Bohemian Rhapsody – I am sure I would have nailed it!
The final songs closed a wonderful night but we weren’t finished there as various performers grabbed the mic for the after party, where we were all welcomed to the stage to dance along to some more rock tracks to give the night a real finale and one that each and every person could get involved in.
Platinum Entertainment, you’ve done it again – A great night featuring some of the great iconic songs of Queen and all performed by a wonderful cast, with impressive stage setting and digital back drops and in a incredible venue! I will be back before this run of shows ends. The We Will Rock You Experience really is a genie in a bottle!
The We Will Rock You Experience has taken the stage every Friday night in 2025 at Venue 360!
Tickets available HERE!
