As an NSTA Representative, I had the absolute pleasure of watching Kellett School Hong Kong’s production of We Will Rock You, performed on 28th November 2025. This school staging of the popular jukebox musical was directed with creativity and flair by Mr Christian Bullen, with Musical Direction led by Mr William Payne and Stage Management by Ms Kendra Cui. From start to finish, this show fizzed with rock and roll energy.
We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical set in a dystopian future in which authentic creative expression has been extinguished by the hegemony of corporate consumer culture. With a book by Ben Elton, it interlaces its storyline with Queen’s celebrated catalogue, ranging from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to ‘We Are the Champions’, and showcases Elton’s characteristic wit. The narrative centres on Galileo Figaro, whose prophetic dreams, woven from fragments of iconic Queen lyrics, mark him out as ‘The Dreamer’ to the rebellious Bohemians. As these dream-visions crystallise, they catalyse a resurgence of true music and a challenge to the monolithic Globalsoft corporation and its tyrannical leader, the Killer Queen. First premiering in the West End at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002, the production went on to become one of the longest-running musicals in West End history, winning the 2011 Olivier Audience Award for Most Popular Show.
What really set the Kellett School Hong Kong production apart was the innovative creative decision-making throughout. Presented on a raised platform stage, with a full pupil-led rock band positioned behind the action, the use of the school’s three large LED screens in place of traditional scenery created a distinctive and modern staging of this well-known musical. These screens were used effectively throughout, but perhaps most impressively when Galileo and Scaramouche’s renditions of ‘I Want to Break Free’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ were live-recorded and projected onto the back screens, authentically recreating the atmosphere of a live rock concert. A wide range of imaginative visual ideas were employed across the production, from motorway footage streaming across the screens while ensemble members rushed around the stage with torches to simulate motorbike headlights during ‘Headlong’, to the stylised depiction of Galileo’s smashed phone screen. These elements were the work of a substantial creative, technical and media team, made up of both staff and pupils, whose collaborative efforts added real depth and polish to the storytelling.
The leading cast were not to be outshone by the production team though. This is a musical that relies heavily on a charismatic leading man with the vocal stamina to tackle Freddie Mercury’s iconic range, and Zakary rose to this challenge with assurance. From his opening solo in ‘I Want to Break Free’, he shone in the role of Galileo. While his vocals were a clear strength, his acting was no less impressive: his energy, comic timing and emotional delivery were maturely judged in every scene, never overwrought and always precisely pitched. Zakary possesses the natural stage presence and confidence of a seasoned performer, even managing to turn a misspoken line into a quick-witted correction that drew genuine laughter from the audience.
Opposite Zakary, Charlotte delivered a compelling performance as Scaramouche, conveying youthful anger and rebellious spirit with real conviction. She brought a finely balanced combination of fire and vulnerability to the role, allowing the character’s emotional journey to feel authentic and well judged. ‘Somebody to Love’ showcased her vocal quality, while also revealing a deeper emotional openness. The duets ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ and ‘Hammer to Fall’, performed with Zakary, were among the most touching moments of the evening. These performances showcased the vocal strengths of both singers while allowing them to explore the evolving relationship between their characters: defiant and restless in ‘Under Pressure’, tender and sincere in ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, and delivering compelling acting through song in ‘Hammer to Fall’.
Gabriella’s performance as the infamous Killer Queen was spectacular. Part of her success in the role stemmed from a thoughtful and original characterisation. Rather than relying on the familiar tropes of oversized 80s hair, leather, latex or animal-print styling, Costume Designer Ms Iris Lai created a strikingly distinctive look: a short, snow-white bob, metallic, icicle-like shoulder pads, and a gold layered dress. The result was a sleek, entirely original interpretation of the Killer Queen, and Gabriella oozed the confidence and authority required to inhabit this persona fully. Her rendition of ‘Killer Queen’ was powerful and deliciously tyrannical, but her vocal highlight came in ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, where she delivered some impressive riffs, all performed in wonderfully sassy character.
Brit (played by Connor) and Oz (by Abhi) were another standout pairing. Connor’s build-up and reveal to his namesake Britney Spears was perfectly paced and landed to well-deserved cheers and applause, while Abhi’s voice demonstrated impressive depth and range throughout. Their performance of ‘I Want It All’ was a clear Act One highlight. Connor’s youthful enthusiasm resonated through every verse, while Abhi’s vocal acrobatics were delivered with confidence and finesse. Both performers were clearly relishing their time on stage, and this enjoyment proved infectious. Similarly, Cara’s Khashoggi quite obviously delighted in her villainous deeds, nowhere more so than during ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’. Her maniacal laugh was one of the most enjoyable aspects of her performance. Last but by no means least, Benjamin’s performance as Buddy Holly added energy and pace to the production, delivered with a delightfully unhinged, mad-professor comic style.
The supporting cast worked cohesively throughout. Ensemble moments for both the Yuppies and the Bohemians, including ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, were full of joy, with the stage filled by energetic choreography. ‘Only the Good Die Young’ showcased the vocal abilities of Abhi, Ruby, Cara, Isadora and Martha, all of whom sang with confidence and clarity. The closing number, ‘We Are the Champions’, built to a spine-tingling crescendo from the full company. The encore of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, performed by the entire ensemble, was a musical treat, with beautifully delivered solos capturing Freddie Mercury’s vocal range with real skill.
One final impressive element of this production that demands to be mentioned is the Musical Direction by Mr William Payne and the incredible performance from the live rock band (Mr Payne, Vivienne, William, Kairo, Aaden, Elijah and Yash). This talented group of pupils recreated Queen’s iconic sound with such glorious precision, one could have believed it was a professional band on stage. Kairo shone on lead guitar, tackling epic Queen guitar solos with rock star quality.
Kellett School Hong Kong’s production of We Will Rock You fizzed with energy from start to finish. This was clearly a whole-school endeavour, with contributions from drama, dance, music, media and design combining to create a fresh and original interpretation of this much-loved musical. The commitment and talent of both pupils and staff were evident throughout, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of this achievement. Rock on!