EVERYONE loves a bit of Queen. Whether young or old, hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust and We Are the Champions are guaranteed to get the toes tapping, heads nodding and the soul singing.

That's one of the reasons this show has become a hit across the globe, with audiences flocking to watch it.

Another reason is the zany tale, written around 24 of Queens songs, that was created by witty writer Ben Elton and Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor.

The most recent tour, starring Kevin Kennedy, Jonathon Wilkes and Brenda Edwards, started in Manchester in March and almost four weeks in, every show has received a standing ovation from the audience.

Jonathan Wilkes, who plays chief of Secret Police Khashoggi, said: "It's been phenomenally received so far and it's unbelievable how many people will come back and see it again and again."

And Jonanthan, who has fronted programmes including You've Been Framed, Love on a Saturday Night and SMTV, dabbled with a singing career and is best pals with Robbie Williams, is delighted to be involved in such a huge show.

He said: "On a personal level, I'm a massive Queen fan and I've always said that being part of this is like being signed by Manchester United. This really is the cream of the crop.

"It's a show that first and foremost has unbelievable music. Every song is an anthem and it's brilliant to do these songs."

It's 2039 and We Will Rock You is set in a world where society is controlled by big corporations and real music is banned.

All of the instruments across the globe have been hidden and instead everyone is fed Computer Recorded Anodyne Pop.

The only people who care about greats including Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury are Bohemians.

Pitted against them are the Killer Queen and the villainous Colonel Khashoggi.

But Galileo Figaro and his dreams of pop lyrics, along with his rebellious sidekick Scaramouche, might well be the saviours of the world.

So it's ironic that a musical that mocks programmes like The X Factor as well as manufactured musicians and bands, should star a woman who shot to fame after making it through to the finals of The X Factor in 2005.

Brenda Edwards said: "I've been talking a lot about The X Factor since doing this show. It's kind of funny because according to We Will Rock You, The X Factor is responsible for the death of music.

"My time on The X Factor was unforgettable and it provided me with a platform to do things like this, so I really can't complain."
And with her character, Killer Queen, behind the banning of music, Brenda is keen to clear up a few things.

"I just want to get a few things straight. I love live music. Give it to me any day. I would never mime because I love singing.

"I've loved being in this show. Everything about it is just fabulous, from the songs to the cast, to the costumes and the make-up"

Kevin Kennedy, most famous for playing Curly Watts on the cobbles of Coronation Street, is literally living the dream by playing Pop, the librarian who spends his time trying to get to the bottom (literally) of where all the musical instruments have gone.

He said: "I've never really been a big Queen fan, but I went to see my friend in We Will Rock You a few years ago and fell in love with it.

"I sat and thought 'this really is something I want to do' so when the part came up I went along and said there's so much I could do with that character and landed myself the job.

"A lot of people look at me and think of Curly Watts, which is something that I'm really proud of and it's great that I'll carry that legacy around with me.

"Coronation Street gave me that exposure and was a great opportunity that has led to what I'm doing today."

WE Will Rock You can be seen at the Sunderland Empire from June 11 to 27.
Tickets cost between £18 and £32.50 and can be bought by phoning 0844 847 2499 or by visiting www.sunderlandempire.org.uk