Axemen target our kids
Queen and Ben Elton, the brawn behind the musical We Will Rock You, have decided that they want to be to dodgy guitar solos what Jamie Oliver is to school dinners, and “help schools rock”. From next Monday, for a “small” fee, teachers can go to www.schoolswillrockyou.com and register for a licence to perform the hit West End show.
They will be able to access the musical’s score and book, as well as downloadable video clips “featuring footage of the creators offering advice and guidance”. Cue music teachers around the country putting their feet up while a virtual Brian May inspires Britain’s youths to imagine that they too might one day stand on top of Buckingham Palace, ostentatiously twanging their precious axe, and marry Anita Dobson.
But it might be less fun for parents of a sensitive disposition. The musical, set on the Planet Mall (formerly Earth), follows a young rebel’s fight against commercial pop. His weapon? “Real music” — ie, loads of widdly-woo guitar action.
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So, as well as forking out for the inevitable “educational” school trip to the West End for the kids, there will be the performance to sit through as well.