Feature: CAST ANNOUNCED FOR AUSTRALIAN RETURN OF WE WILL ROCK YOU at Oxford Art Factory

This morning the musical theatre creme of Sydney gathered at the spicy Oxford Art Factory all eager to see who would be marking the return after ten years of one of the world's most applauded shows; We Will Rock You is all set to roll onto Sydney Lyric Theatre on April 28, then onto Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth then wrap in Adelaide.

Produced by the eminent John Frost, We Will Rock You comes through in perfect timing before Australia forgets the incredible 2014 tour by the band whose musical influence is reinvoked in this production. Director Ben Elton promised us a powerhouse cast, and he delivered. Check out the leading cast:

Gareth Keegan as Galileo
Erin Clare as Scaramouche
Jaz Flowers as Oz
Thern Reynolds as Brit
Simon Russell as Khashoggi
Casey Donovan as Killer Queen
Brian Mannix as Buddy

Having now seen this talented ensemble perform the titular song, it's definitely looking like one of the strongest casts to tackle legendary material. While many of the cast members are new darlings of the Australian musical theatre pantheon - a special nod to Erin Clare for transforming her star turn in Heathers into this breakout role - I couldn't resist a chance to connect with the cast members bringing real rock & roll chops into this production.

In conversation with 80s star Brian Mannix, he called being part of the production "a new adventure" and an opportunity as spontaneous and iconic as he is! Although he expressed consternation at the prospect of getting on stage without a drinks rider, he's excited for the opportunity to get into the discipline of stage again and connect with the cast sure to become a real family.

Casey Donovan similarly didn't know the cast too well before auditioning, but is keen to incorporate the assertiveness and wow of Killer Queen into her own life, calling out the "assertiveness" of the character as what she anticipates most in getting on stage again. Donovan of course shot to fame and scrutiny when she won Australian Idol she informs me over ten years ago - but now has flesh out a career of performance and philanthropy, her causes including The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, National Indigenous Ear Health and NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in with a chance of getting some legs thanks to this new role.

Over 15 million people have gone crazy for this musical since its premiere in 2002, having toured over 17 countries, and featuring classics including 'We Are the Champions', 'Killer Queen', 'Don't Stop Me Now', 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the empowering 'We Will Rock You' of the title.

Head to the We Will Rock You website for more information or straight to Ticketmaster to secure your seats!