Giles takes over the reigns

MUSIC royalty will hit Tasmania this weekend, when the ultimate Queen tribute show, Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic, lights up the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

The show recreates Queen’s 1986 World Tour concert and features the band’s greatest hits, including classics such as We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, Under Pressure and Fat-Bottomed Girls — along with some more obscure tracks that diehard fans will truly appreciate.

British singer Giles Taylor takes on the lead role of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, with support from Australian musicians Richie Baker as Brian May on guitar and Kyle Thompson as Roger Taylor on drums, plus South African Steven Dennett as bass player John Deacon.

Making the show authentic is the close consultation of Peter Freestone, Mercury’s best friend, biographer and constant companion for the final 12 years of his life. Freestone has schooled the cast and producers on the characteristics and nuances of the original band.

Director Johnny Van Grinsven attributes the show’s continued success to the attention to detail.

“We’re extremely lucky to have Peter involved,” he said. “He knows Freddie and the boys so well. His knowledge about who they are and how they moved and played takes this show to the next level.”

Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic will be performed at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from 8pm on Saturday. Tickets are $80.42, go to www.derwent.com.au or phone 136 100 for bookings.