Smash hit show We Will Rock You is celebrating 20 years of guitar-fuelled musical theatre with an anniversary tour.

The show, which sees original writer Ben Elton return to lead the new cast from the director’s chair, will be rocking out for six nights at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

We Will Rock You made its West End debut in 2002 at the Dominion Theatre and has since been enjoyed by 18 million theatre-goers in more than 20 countries.

“I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since We Will Rock You premiered in London,” says comedian and author Ben Elton. “I’ve directed this show all over the world and I’m thrilled to bring it home to the UK with a brand new production and a fabulous cast of young Bohemians, most of whom were rocking in their cradles when this adventure first began.”

The musical features 24 of Queen’s biggest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, Radio Ga Ga and, of course, We Will Rock You.

“We were not initially convinced,” says guitarist Brian May, looking back at the musical’s early days. “The show needed to work in a theatrical context and retain the rock, whilst also incorporating the spectacle, uniqueness and humour embodied by Queen.”

Set in a dystopian future where musical instruments are forbidden and rock music is a distant memory, the show follows two rebellious runaways who, along with the other ‘Bohemians’, fight to restore live music to the world.

“I think it’s a very good comment on the way things are going,” says Brian, who, along with bandmate Roger Taylor, recently performed 10 sell-out shows at London’s O2 Arena. “Ben’s idea that individuality is being eroded and soon it will be impossible for people to write their own music, think their own thoughts, write their own poetry, is very perceptive.”

The show, which spent 12 years on the West End, has continuously sold out theatres across the country since it began touring in 2013.

There are only a few tickets left for the Canterbury dates, so be quick if you want to book yourself a seat at the loudest show in town.

We Will Rock You is at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Monday, August 8 to Saturday, August 13. Limited tickets are available, book online here or call 01227 787 787.