Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic
Queen was a band like no other. They took the gothic glam-rock of the 70s and merged it with the stagey camp of the 80s to create a repertoire of songs ranging from visceral rock to operatic ballads. Lead singer and songwriter Freddie Mercury was the quintessential entertainer. Flexible and flamboyant on stage, he had a voice that could float a feather or knock down a barn.
Inimitable though they were, Queen has been the subject of musicals and tribute shows ever since Mercury’s untimely death in 1991. One very successful show, Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic, based on their legendary 1986 tour, will play in major cities around Australia until August.
The show has been acclaimed for its authenticity, much of which can be attributed to the involvement of Mercury’s former PA and friend of 12 years, Peter Freestone. Credit is also due to Giles Taylor, notable British musician in his own right, who accepted the formidable challenge of performing as Mercury five years ago and hasn’t looked back since.
“There’s a lot of study that goes into recreating any character on stage – especially one as iconic as Freddie Mercury,” says Taylor. “I myself am a huge fan of his and grew up on his music, so it’s important for me to do justice to his legacy. I will be the first to say there will only ever be one Freddie Mercury.”
The performance is very physical and vocally demanding. Taylor has a strict exercise and dietary regiment while on tour.
“Freddie’s level of fitness was insane: he was constantly running about the stage when he wasn’t seated at the piano,” Taylor explains.
Taylor describes the show as a highlight of Queen’s history, with authentic costumes and equipment and incredible lighting, sound and graphics on a LED back wall.
“Put simply, the show is a must for Queen fans,” adding that non-fans should come too because he guarantees they’ll hear songs they “have loved for years and just not realised that they were Queen tunes.”
July 29, 8pm. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $79-$89+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au
By Rita Bratovich.
