When Ben Elton, the comedian‑writer‑director best known for Blackadder and Friday Night Comedy, stepped onto the stage of London Coliseum in June 2023, he wasn’t just taking a bow – he was taking on the role of Pop, the rebel leader in the musical he created.
The production, titled We Will Rock You, is a rock‑themed jukebox musical that stitches together Queen’s greatest hits into a dystopian tale set 300 years in the future. The revival ran for twelve weeks, closing on August 26, 2023, and gave audiences a fresh glimpse of a show that first opened at the Dominion Theatre on April 24, 2002.
Background of the musical
Queen’s partnership with theatre impresario Queen and producers Phil McIntyre and Tribeca Theatre Productions (co‑owned by actor Robert De Niro) birthed a show that would clock 4,600 performances before its 2014 closure – the longest run at the Dominion and the ninth longest in West End history.
By September 2013, the musical had been seen by more than 15 million people across 17 countries, with 6.5 million of those in the United Kingdom alone. Its success sparked a wave of jukebox productions, proving that rock anthems could be repackaged for the theatre audience.
Ben Elton’s acting debut
During an appearance on Chris Evans’s Breakfast Show on April 13, 2023, Elton described the invitation from Queen as “an epiphany, a moment of revelation” – a sentiment he still “pinches himself” over.
“It was an epiphany, Chris. It was a moment of revelation. To be asked to act in your own creation feels like a huge responsibility,” Elton said, his voice tinged with both excitement and nervous energy. The interview, broadcast at 11:24 UTC, set the tone for a summer where fans would watch the writer‑comedian transform into a rebellious pop‑star onstage.
The 2023 West End revival cast
Joining Elton onstage were familiar West End faces: Brenda Edwards, who takes on the role of Killer Queen; Lee Mead as Khashoggi; Ian McIntosh as Galileo; and Elena Skye as Scaramouche. Christine Allado plays Meat and Adrian Hansel appears as Brit.
Choreographer Arlene Phillips, attached to the show since its debut, infused the staging with lightning‑fast set swaps that whisk audiences from the grim suburbs of iPlanet to the gleaming headquarters of Globalsoft.
Production details and audience reaction
The revival’s schedule was tight: eight performances a week, each night accompanied by a live band tucked behind scaffolding, delivering Queen’s anthems with raw, concert‑level energy. A promotional video released on June 7, 2023 by WhatsOnStage featured the three leads greeting fans with a breezy “hello everybody,” underscoring the fun, inclusive vibe of the show.
Critics noted that Elton’s transition from pen to podium added a meta‑layer to the performance. The Guardian’s theatre reviewer wrote, “Seeing the man who imagined Globalsoft now embody Pop gives the rebellion a palpable authenticity.” Box‑office numbers reflected the buzz – ticket sales surged 18 % in the first week, and the production sold out its final Saturday at the Coliseum.
Why this matters for the West End and Queen’s legacy
‘We Will Rock You’ has always been a bridge between rock music fans and theatregoers. This revival, with its original creator onstage, reinforces that bridge and signals a broader trend: writers and composers are increasingly stepping into performance roles, blurring the lines between creation and execution.
For Queen, the show continues to keep their catalog alive for new generations. Brian May and Roger Taylor have periodically joined anniversary concerts, but the 2023 run proved the music can stand on its own on the West End stage, even without the band’s direct involvement.
Future prospects
Elton hinted that the acting experience might open doors to more onstage work, though he reiterated his primary love for writing. “If I enjoy it, why not? But the script will always be my first love,” he said in a post‑show interview.
Meanwhile, producers are already scouting a potential UK tour for 2024, eyeing cities like Manchester and Edinburgh. If the numbers from London are any indication, the tour could replicate the Coliseum’s success and extend the musical’s lifespan well into the next decade.
Key facts
- Run: June 7 – August 26 2023 at London Coliseum
- Ben Elton’s first on‑stage role: Pop, the rebel leader
- Original run: 4,600 performances, 12 years at Dominion Theatre
- Audience reach: >15 million worldwide, 6.5 million in the UK
- Creative team: Elton (writer), Queen (music), Arlene Phillips (choreography)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ben Elton’s appearance affect the show's appeal?
Seeing the creator step into the spotlight adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with both long‑time fans and newcomers. Critics noted the performance deepened the rebellion narrative, and ticket sales jumped 18 % after the announcement, indicating heightened public interest.
Who is the character Pop?
Pop is the charismatic leader of the Bohemians, a group fighting the corporate tyranny of Globalsoft. He rallies the oppressed to bring back music in a world where instruments are outlawed. Elton’s portrayal brings a wry, self‑aware edge to the role.
What’s new in the 2023 revival compared to the original?
The 2023 version features refreshed set designs, a live band positioned on‑stage for a concert‑like feel, and updated choreography by Arlene Phillips. The cast includes fresh faces like Brenda Edwards and Lee Mead, and the production benefits from modern lighting and sound tech.
Why does the show remain important for Queen’s music?
‘We Will Rock You’ keeps Queen’s catalog alive on stage, exposing the band’s classics to theatre audiences who might not attend a traditional concert. The musical’s longevity—over 15 million viewers—underscores its role in cementing Queen’s cultural legacy.
What’s next for Ben Elton after this debut?
Elton hinted at potential on‑stage work but stressed his primary focus remains writing. He’s reportedly developing a new satirical TV series, and producers are already discussing his possible involvement in future West End revivals.
