If there's one thing a tribute show of this magnitude demands is that it rocks, and it does, solidly, with enthralled fans joining in the pulsating beat by singing along, stamping their feet, dancing joyfully and raising the roof.
Giles Taylor lives and breathes the essence of Freddie Mercury and the magic of Queen from the moment he explodes on to the stage and commands his audience with full authority.
As a performer, Freddie Mercury was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear," Mecury once said. ''I always knew I was a star and now the rest of the world seems to agree with me. The reason we're successful, darling? My overall charisma, of course. I am not going to be a star. I am going to be a legend.''
Giles poignantly embodies ''God's mythological messenger'' and strikes a chord in the hearts of everyone. It's not always possible to express our emotions when we are going through hardships, or need to celebrate the joy of being alive, but music like that of Queen soothes heartaches and cultivates happy thoughts.
Suave, cocky and arrogant, Giles' control over his audience is truly amazing as he bewitches the crowd with sassy humour and dignity. When he is loud and over the top there is no stopping his veracious energy, and when he sits behind the piano and soulfully delivers an emotional tour de force, one can only bow down to his heartfelt and passionate homage. The quiet and serene contemplation at the piano, with his back turned to the audience, is beautifully filmed and projected on the screen, shrouded by a sea of lights, illuminating the epic intimacy.
There's no pretending, it's the real thing and an absolute 'kinda magic' that allows one to grasp a sense of how Queen changed the beat of the world with songs and music that will always resonate with people of all ages and cultures.
Unexpected surprises surface during the show and the ordinary is quickly transformed into the extraordinary as Giles carols with Australians Richie Baker, as Brian May on guitar, and Kyle Thompson, as Roger Taylor on drums, and South Africa's Steven Dennett as John Deacon on bass.
There is an electric connection and camaraderie among the performers that allows rapid bursts of creative energy that is playful and entertaining.
What's great about this nostalgic journey down memory lane is that it allows us to recall moments in our life when the music of Queen touched our lives.
Queen's music has indeed become an anthem of freedom for many people, and allowed fans to be champions of their own worlds, to find that special someone to love, to be great pretenders, and to fully realise that "too much love will kill you".
The 'kinda magic' profoundly dissects the humanity of our humanness and speaks to us with an honesty that is sincere and heartfelt.
The British rock band Queen was formed in London in 1970 and originally consisted of Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). Queen's earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock, into their music.
The band have released a total of 18 number one albums, 18 number one singles, and 10 number one DVDs. Estimates of their record sales generally range from 150 million to 300 million records, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists. They received the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award from the British Phonographic Industry in 1990, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Queen - It's a Kinda Magic delivers what it promises, and more so. Make sure to book seats before it ends it run in Cape Town in November before continuing its three-month tour of South Africa.
It is on in Cape Town until November 22, then plays at the Port Elizabeth Opera House from November 11 to December 2, at the Sibaya Sun Casino from December 11 until January 10, the Wild Coast Sun on January 5, and at the Joburg Theatre from January 14 until February 7. Booking from Computicket.
To quote Mercury: "Excess is part of my nature. Dullness is a disease. I really need danger and excitement.''
Read more about Queen - It's a Kinda Magic and other live shows at www.writingstudio.co.za
