We Will Rock You – Manor Musical Theatre Company
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 11th May 2026 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography –Studio 55 Photography
There was only ever going to be one word to describe We Will Rock You at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this week — spectacular.
Manor Musical Theatre Company delivered a high-energy, crowd-pleasing rock extravaganza packed with powerhouse vocals, huge ensemble numbers and the unmistakable music of Queen, all met with rapturous applause from an audience clearly loving every minute.
Under the direction of Louise Holmes — making her first production with Manor — alongside choreographer Connie Mortiboy, the show bursts with confidence, movement and attitude from the opening moments. Together they create a production that feels ambitious, vibrant and full of genuine rock concert energy, while Musical Director Chris Arnold and the live band drive the show forward superbly throughout the evening.
Two standout debut lead performances came from Dan Hardy as Galileo and Siobhon Louise Thornley as Scaramouche. Both brought exceptional vocals, warmth and charisma to the production, while their chemistry together gave the show real heart beneath all the spectacle. Hardy delivered Galileo’s humour and vulnerability brilliantly, while Thornley’s sharp comic timing and commanding vocals lit up the stage whenever she appeared.
Juliet Fisher gave a fantastic performance as Oz, combining strong vocals with real emotional depth, while Dan McCloskey brought plenty of presence and power to Brit, helping anchor many of the show’s biggest ensemble moments.
Chloe Mason was outstanding as Killer Queen, commanding the stage with confidence, attitude and a wonderfully theatrical performance that perfectly suited the over-the-top glamour of the role. Supported brilliantly by Kian Haden as Khashoggi, the pair created a formidable villainous partnership that added real energy and drama throughout.
Meanwhile Mike Willis delivered a hugely entertaining performance as Buddy, capturing the spirit of the old-school rocker with warmth, humour and excellent audience connection. His scenes brought some of the loudest reactions of the night.
The ensemble throughout deserve enormous praise. Productions like this only succeed when the company fully commits to the scale and energy required — and Manor absolutely did that. The choreography was sharp, the stage movement constantly alive and the ensemble vocals powerful throughout.
Special mentions also go to Mia Davies, Sarah Cotter, Lia Cadman, Millie Marshall, Sammi Kelly-Griggs and Billy Skinner for their excellent supporting performances and contribution to the overall energy of the production.
Technically, the show looked superb. The lighting design from Going Dark Theatrical Services created a true arena-rock atmosphere, while Leigh Yeomans’ sound design ensured Queen’s legendary music retained all of its power and impact. Combined with strong staging, video wall visuals and an energetic live band, the production often felt far bigger than the Town Hall stage itself.
And of course, at the centre of it all is the music. From “Somebody To Love” to “Radio Ga Ga,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the triumphant finale, the audience response said everything. Singing, cheering, clapping along — this was musical theatre doing exactly what it should: bringing people together for a joyful night of entertainment.
Manor Musical Theatre Company’s production of We Will Rock You is bold, loud, funny and full of heart — a hugely enjoyable celebration of Queen’s music performed by a company clearly having the time of their lives on stage.
