For two die-hard Queen fans, the opportunity to not only perform the band's iconic songs - but do so in a production of a widely successful musical - was something they had "absolutely" always wanted to do.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For Nathan Wheldon however, who will play Galileo across 10 Princess Theatre shows in the Encore Theatre Company production of We Will Rock You by Queen and Ben Elton, it is really all about the songs.
"Freddy Mercury, his voice is insane," Wheldon said. "And the melodies and everything about the songs are just awesome. Each song is a story."
Both he and Natalie Reid, who plays Scaramouche, list Bohemian Rhapsody among their favourite of the songs to perform as part of the show - which features a wide range of others and ran for a decade in London's West End after its premiere in 2002.
IN OTHER NEWS
When pressed however, Wheldon named We Are The Champions as his number one. Hammer To Fall topped Reid's list.
The pair are among a cast of 39 - and a backstage crew of about 25 - involved in the production, which is directed by Belinda King and tells the tale of a future musical instrument-barren world ravaged by technology and globalisation.
"The world has been taken over by virtual reality - kids are stuck inside on Facebook and tweeting," Wheldon said. "There's an outcast group called the Bohemians and they're basically wanting to bring back rock and roll and get kids offline and into real life."
Featuring a story of its own, the show does not dive deep into the that of Queen, Reid said. But there are elements woven throughout.
"It's a very broad story where the songs come together to tell [it]," she added.
Scored by an eight-piece rock band, Reid said the musical will be unlike others people may have experienced and said any audience should be ready to join in the fun.
"There's not audience participation but it's huge and it's so much fun that hopefully they sing along."
- What: Queen and Ben Elton's We Will Rock You, produced by Encore Theatre Company
- When: Ten shows between Thursday, August 1 and Saturday August 10
- Where: Princess Theatre, Launceston. Tickets available from the box office or online at theatrenorth.com.au
While you're with us, you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.