Xaverian College Drama and Theatre and Music students brought down the house earlier this month with their electrifying rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’, the musical that celebrates the timeless hits of Queen. Held in the College’s state-of-the-art theatre, the performance captivated audiences with its dynamic cast, vibrant choreography, and unforgettable music.
The musical, written by Ben Elton, is set in a time where live music is banned, and instruments are forbidden. It follows the journey of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and, most importantly, live music.
Lead roles were played by Sam Jeffries as Galileo and Laura Gilmour as Scaramouche, both of whom delivered powerful performances that showcased their exceptional vocal talents and stage presence, however supporting cast members also shone brightly. The humour and charisma of Daniel Mbaru as Brit and Kirsty Hope as Oz were highlights, providing comic relief and heartfelt moments throughout the show. The villainous Killer Queen, portrayed by Melia Finnigan, and her sidekick Khashoggi, played by Zephaniah Badiah, added a dramatic edge with their commanding performances and sharp dialogue.
Rehearsals for ‘We Will Rock You’ started in January, but, in preparation for the show, students had the opportunity to visit HOME Theatre and The Royal Exchange to watch live performances, alongside taking part in other productions such as ‘Curtains’, the story of three down-on-their-luck Manchester gangsters.
Quinn Finley, former Levenshulme High School pupil, who joined Xaverian in September 2023 to study A Levels in Drama & Theatre, Film Studies and Media Studies, said: “This performance was an unforgettable experience! Everyone involved has poured so much love and dedication into making it an enjoyable performance and I’m really pleased I got to play even a small part in making it a success. There was so much creative freedom to build on our characters and Teachers really supported us to develop our confidence and flourish when performing in front of a live audience.”
Michael Mitchell, Curriculum Leader for Drama & Theatre, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what our students have achieved. They’ve put their heart and soul into this production, and it shows. The energy, the passion, the talent – it was all there. Our students have truly outdone themselves!
“Working alongside the Music department again has been great, especially after the success of ‘Guys and Dolls’ – ‘We Will Rock You’ really was an enormous team effort! As a College we’re thrilled to have brought the magic of Queen’s music to life and to have shared it with our community.
“The College is full of talented individuals, who perform to the highest professional standards, even when undertaking a challenging production such as this. We place a lot of importance on ensuring there are many opportunities for students to take to the stage as, not only does it improve their subject and industry knowledge, it helps them build confidence, develop skills and forge life-long friendships.”
The success of ‘We Will Rock You’ at Xaverian College is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its students and staff. The College’s Drama & Theatre and Music departments have a reputation for delivering stunning stage performances, and this latest show continues that tradition. As the final curtain fell, it was clear that this production not only rocked the audience but also set a new standard for future performances.
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2800 students. To find out more, visit www.xaverian.ac.uk – This Is Your Place!