Interview: Ben Elton, writer of We Will Rock You (From Blackpool Citizen)

Interview: Ben Elton, writer of We Will Rock You

3:58pm Friday 6th March 2009

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HAVING wowed audiences totalling more than six million, it goes without saying that the man behind one of the most successful rock musicals ever is more than a little proud.

We Will Rock You is the longest running musical ever staged at the West End’s Dominion Theatre where it is currently in its seventh year.

The show, set in the future and featuring 24 of Queens greatest hits, is sert to open in Manchester later this month.

As you would expect, there’s an impressive array of talent putting the show together.

Stricly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips is responsible for the choreography; production designers are Mark Fisher and Willie Williams who have created sets for The Rolling Stones and U2; Bobby Aitken from Grease and Mamma Mia is sound designer.

And with Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor as both music supervisors and co-writers to Ben Elton, this show certainly has star quality.

“It is all about legend,” says Ben, who is not shy about boasting about his latest creation.

“We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music.

“They need a hero who can help them in their struggle,” he added. “And we have two – the dreamer Galileo and the sassy rock chick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?”

Ben, 49, is no stranger to success. He has enjoyed a career made up of writing many classic and award-winning scripts including The Young Ones, The Thin Blue Line, Blackadder and even a Mr Bean episode.

But he is also equally at home performing both as stand-up and on TV shows such as The Man From Auntie.

With this CV, it is not surprising that Ben demands a certain standard from those he chooses to work with. And it is this no nonsense attitude that makes him such a fan of brutal TV judge, Arlene Phillips.

“Arlene just doesn't like slackers and she cares so much,” says Ben.

“She isn’t really hard, her fire is passion, and that’s what I am about too. She’s a good friend of mine.

“But it’s important not to bully your cast into hard work, you must inspire them.”

Hard at work in rehearsals are the stars of the touring cast; Jonathan Wilkes, Kevin Kennedy, Brenda Edwards, Georgina Hagen and Ashley Russell.

And they are all fantastic, according to Ben, who hand picked them himself.

“I have been involved from the very beginning, I was there at all the auditions,” he explained.

“We can’t expect to have the best success without putting in the ground work, so we are very proud of the line up.

"I don’t think this kind of commitment from the top happens in any other show.”

But even the most experienced of professionals get nervous.

“I am apprehensive about the opening night,” admits Ben, “I think it would be a bad sign if I wasn’t.

“We demand something different from our cast and I’m sure they will perform.”

He went on: “Sometimes it’s hard because it’s a comedy musical, and so I have to bring out the comedy bones in someone chosen because they sing Bohemium Rapsidy particularly well!”

But what matters most to Ben is making sure the audience feel they get their money’s worth.

“It’s tough at the moment expecting people to shell out to come to the theatre when cash is tight,” he says.

“But this show, every penny goes into what you see. It’s not cheap to put this show on, and it’s worth it!”

And if you've got your tickets booked keep your eyes peeled for some original band members in the audience.

For rock legends and show co-creators, Brain May and Roger Taylor could be sat next to you. They too have been so hands-on with the show that they often turn up unannounced to watch their musical masterpiece.

Brian May added: “The amazing bonus is that Ben's script subtly works as a metaphor too.

"People definitely come out of the theatre feeling that in a strange way they now know us, Queen, and our struggle, our journey.”  • We Will Rock You — Manchester Palace Theatre, March 21 to June 6. Tickets available from 0844 847 2277.

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