Stuart Brown plays the part of a rebel with a cause, Galileo, in We Will Rock You.
Hout Bay actor and singer Stuart Brown is lighting up the stage as one of the lead characters in Queen and Ben Elton’s multi award-winning rock musical We Will Rock You, which is running at the Artscape opera House until Sunday June 4.
The production is not a tribute show and does not tell the story of Queen or the legendary Freddie Mercury.
Instead, the production follows two revolutionaries, with Brown as the rebel with a cause Galileo Figaro and fellow Capetonian Nicolette Fernandes as the sarcastic, cynical Scaramouche. In a post apocalyptic world they embark on the search to save rock ’n roll music from the villain Killer Queen, played by Londiwe Dhlomo who rules Planet Mall with an iron fist.
The musical features 24 of Queen’s biggest hits. Brown, 27, says it’s an honour to perform Queen’s iconic music and to reach the high notes of Freddy Mercury. His favourite song is We Will Rock You.
Born in Johannesburg, his family moved to Hout Bay, where he has lived since the age of 1 and he attended International School of Hout Bay. Family outings to musicals lead to him being bitten by the singing and acting bug and in Grade 8 he started singing lessons.
After matriculating he studied Sports Science at Stellenbosch University but soon realised that he would rather be dancing and singing. He joined Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in 2021 and two years after graduating landed the role in We Will Rock You.
“Auditions began pre-Covid and by the time that finished some people had moved on so there were a few places vacant. I auditioned and was called back and got the lead,” says Brown.
The production features an all-South African cast, crew and band. It opened in Manila, The Philippines in October 2022. After touring Asia, the musical returned home, playing to packed houses at Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg and is now at the Artscape.
When at home, Brown says if he could spend all his time at the World of Birds, he would die a happy man. “Right after spending a day at the Clay Cafe painting and eating toasted sandwiches.”
The cave at the top of Chapman’s Peak is also one of his favourite places.
“I started singing at Best Buddies with Angie Long from the age of 3, and haven’t looked back since.”
According to Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management, who produced the musical, the production appeals across the age spectrum, from teens and young adults to rockers from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
After performing at Artscape the cast will take a break before leaving for Israel for three weeks and possibly other countries.
Shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays are at 8pm, with Saturday performances at 3pm and 8pm; and on Sundays at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets cost from R200 to R500 with special discounts on Tuesdays from R100 to R350.
Book on line at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za