We Will Rock You – Liverpool Empire

Empire Youth Theatre’s production of We Will Rock You at the Liverpool Empire is an ambitious, high-energy showcase that highlights both the strengths and growing edges of a young cast taking on a demanding, full-scale musical.

From the opening number, there’s a clear sense of commitment. We Will Rock You is no easy feat, requiring strong vocals, comic timing, and the ability to navigate a deliberately over-the-top and often chaotic script. The cast largely rises to the challenge, delivering Queen’s iconic songs with enthusiasm and, in many cases, impressive vocal control. Somebody to Love is a particular standout, showcasing Scaramouche’s vocals to great effect with a confident and engaging performance. However, at times the balance isn’t quite right, with the backing singers’ mic levels feeling too high and occasionally overpowering the lead, slightly diluting the impact of what is a strong moment.

Don’t Stop Me Now proves to be a more unusual inclusion. Despite being one of Queen’s most recognisable songs, it isn’t performed in full and is instead led entirely by Killer Queen. The decision to lean into a belted, riff-heavy interpretation is interesting and vocally impressive, but may feel unexpected for those more familiar with the original version. It’s a creative choice that doesn’t entirely land, even if it showcases the performer’s ability.

The ensemble is a particular strength. There’s a palpable sense of effort and unity, with group numbers feeling vibrant and well-rehearsed. In contrast, some of the acting in smaller, dialogue-heavy scenes can come across as slightly wooden, with moments where a more natural delivery would strengthen the overall flow. The humour follows a similar pattern: many jokes land well, but the script’s reliance on puns and pop culture references can feel a little overdone, particularly for a youth theatre production, who probably never heard of half these people before they read the script.

From a technical and pacing perspective, the production was generally solid but occasionally uneven. Some transitions between scenes felt slightly slow, creating brief gaps in momentum, while at other times the show moved on quickly after musical or comedic moments, meaning the audience were not always given full opportunity to react with applause or laughter.

Ultimately, this is a lively and enjoyable production that showcases the dedication and potential of Empire Youth Theatre. While it isn’t without its rough edges, the scale of the ambition and the energy on stage make it an entertaining and worthwhile performance.

Reviewer: Brian Madden

Reviewed: 3rd April 2026

North West End UK Rating: