YOUNG ACTORS GET READY TO ROCK AS QUEEN MUSICAL TAKES TO CHESTER STAGE

Final rehearsals are underway as a Chester-based youth theatre prepares to take to the stage at Storyhouse with a major production of Queen musical 'We Will Rock You'.

Following the success of their production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats last year, On The Mark Youth Theatre (OTMYT) will return to Storyhouse from Friday 24^th July - Saturday 25^th July with more than 100 young performers set to appear on stage across two different productions of the iconic award-winning show which celebrates the music of rock band Queen. 

Featuring many of Queen’s best-loved songs, including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, Somebody to Love and Don’t Stop Me Now, the show tells a futuristic story of rebellion, individuality and the power of music. The production will be directed and musically directed by Simon Phillips, Artistic Director of OTMYT, with choreography by Laura Morris.

Audiences are being asked to read the booking information carefully, as OTMYT will be presenting two separate productions.

Will Rock You: Young@Part will be performed by OTMYT’s Lower Seniors, aged 8 to 13, on Friday 24 July 2026 at 2pm and 7pm. This specially adapted version runs for approximately one hour without an interval.

We Will Rock You: School Edition will be performed by OTMYT’s Upper Seniors, aged 13 to 18, on Saturday 25 July 2026 at 2pm and 7pm. This full version of the show runs for approximately two and a half hours including an interval.

The cast for both productions features young performers from Chester, North Wales and the surrounding areas, bringing together some of the most exciting young theatrical talent in the region.

Combining a digital set, professional lighting and sound, bespoke costumes and large-scale ensemble work, this year’s production is set to be one of OTMYT’s most ambitious shows to date, promising a bold, high-energy theatre experience, giving young performers the chance to work in a professional venue with the scale, standards and excitement of a major stage production.

Speaking about the show, Simon Phillips said:

"Queen’s music is legendary, and 'We Will Rock You' gives our members the chance to throw themselves into something bold, funny, powerful and completely full of energy. It is amazing to work on a show with such iconic songs and such a brilliant story, and to see our young performers bring it to life with so much passion, confidence and commitment. We want audiences to come ready to rock out, because this is going to be a proper rock-theatre experience and our cast are ready to raise the roof at Storyhouse."

OTMYT's production of 'We Will Rock You' is proud to have received sponsorship from several local businesses including Palmers Scaffolding, The Ice Cream Farm, Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, AIMS Accountants for Business, KCA People, and Partnership Design.

OTMYT is a Chester-based youth theatre group run by Simon Phillips and Janice Craine. It provides acting, singing, dance, musical theatre training, workshops and performance opportunities for children and young people. Its tagline, “Learning by Doing,” reflects the group’s practical approach to training, confidence-building and giving young people real performance experiences.

Full details of 'We Will Rock You can be found at: 

www.otmyt.co.uk 

...where tickets for both productions can be booked online.

Audiences should make sure they select the correct version of the show when booking.

Pictured - 'We Will Rock You' cast members in rehearsals

Picture credit - OTMYT

On The Mark Youth Theatre, usually known as OTMYT, is a Chester-based youth theatre group run by Simon Phillips and Janice Craine.

OTMYT provides acting, singing, dance, musical theatre training, workshops and performance opportunities for children and young people.