Symphonic Music of Queen at Shugborough

The picturesque estate of Shugborough will be transformed into a rock song and live orchestra spectacular on Saturday night (July 9, 2011) featuring the music of Queen.

When conductor, musician and arranger Richard Sidwell first floated the idea of a stage show featuring two hours of Queen for a rock band and symphony orchestra he found few takers.

After all, there were already an overwhelming number of tribute shows and bands on the road – why would a new show be welcome in an already-crowded market place?

Richard, however, was not to be deterred. He explained in detail how his project – The Music of Queen: A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular – would work. He won the day.

Richard convinced producers that they should snap up some of the greatest performers in the UK, all of whom had played many leading roles in musicals in London's West End – including We Will Rock You of course.

He also put together a band/rhythm section featuring a range of talented session musicians before putting together a symphony orchestra comprising many of the country's best classical players.

Combined with truly stunning arrangements of Queen songs, it was clear he was on to a winner.

MA Concerts premiered The Music Of Queen – A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular at Warwick Castle in 2008, followed by concerts across the UK at venues including Arundel Castle, Calke Abbey and Clumber Park.

Wherever they presented the show the reaction from the audience was the same – incredible.

The epic show will reach Shugborough Estate, near Stafford, tomorrow.

Queen's music will be performed by star singer Jon Boydon, who has an impressive musical pedigree. His first UK tour was with Bill Kenwright Ltd in The Blues Brothers Meet The Soul Sisters as Earl Blues.

In 2001 he made his West End debut at the Queen's Theatre in the world premiere of All You Need Is Love!, a journey through the songs of Lennon and McCartney.

He's subsequently toured the world in major shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and is presently in his second year at Jersey Boys, starring as Tommy Devito.

Jon said: "The singers involved in the production are all past members of We Will Rock You, the musical.

"It's very much not a tribute show. There are two guys and two girls and I guess we're doing it as ourselves.

"As soon as a woman is singing a Queen song you get a different feel for it. It's just the songs as people know and love them.

"Nobody could live up to the original recordings, nobody ever has done and nobody ever will. It's best not to try. We offer a new take.

"The band and orchestra are awesome. As soon as they kick off you find yourself going for it. It brings the best out of everybody.

"Freddie deliberately wrote the songs with operatic overtones so they lend themselves beautifully to having this orchestral sound all around them. There's no loss of the rock'n'roll roots but the embellishment is just amazing."

Gates open at 5pm and the show starts at 6.30pm and will feature firework finale at 10pm. Tickets are £35 in advance or £40 on the door for adults, with two children aged 16 or under allowed to enter for free with every adult ticket purchased. Call 0845 459 8900 to book.

Andy Richardson