Will Queen continue their reign as one of the jukebox musical champions of the West End? Last month it was announced that the musical based on their hits, We Will Rock You, is set to close after 12 years of playing to packed audiences at the Dominion Theatre. The Londoner has expressed concern for the future of the giant Freddie Mercury statue outside, which has become a landmark, but the golden Freddie and his music may now have a chance for new glory.
Brian May, guitarist for the iconic rock band, has long been rumoured to be writing a follow-up to the original musical, which was written by Ben Elton. This week he confirmed that the job is done.
“Yes, the news is leakily out there,” wrote the rock star on his blog. “We did it! We workshopped the seek [sequel]… to great acclaim in a tiny room in Belsize Park. After just 2 weeks [of] insanely intense 24/7 work, the seed is sown!”
May thanks the “compact but very powerful team” involved, but with no mention of funding we may be in for a long wait. Will it be worth it?
One main problem facing a sequel is which songs to use. The band’s most famous tracks — Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Gaga and Somebody to Love, as well as the title song — have all been used already. Will May be adding to the catalogue or reworking old songs for a new narrative?
Details are still sparse, with both May and Elton’s offices reluctant to share information on the production. But hopefully Freddie will soon be rocking out above the doorway of another West End theatre.
