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Given the theatrical nature of Queen's music, it seemed only a matter of time before someone took it to the stage. In 2002, Ben Elton duly obliged with We Will Rock You, a musical set in a dystopian future where rock'n'roll is banned, and the world is ruled by the nefarious Global Soft corporation. Powered forward by more than 20 Queen classics, We Will Rock You proved a popular – if not always critical – success, going on to spawn productions all around the world, including Australia, South Africa, Russia, Germany, Spain and Canada.

For the next month or so, Hong Kong audiences will have the chance to see what all the fuss is about, as the lavish touring production thunders into town for an extended run at the Lyric Theatre. Boasting extravagant sets, outlandish costumes and a wry script courtesy of Mr Elton, it’s a rich production in every sense, but does it have the power to do what the title promises? The answer, thank Mercury, is yes.

From the first few bars of the opening number (a lyrically modified version of Radio Gaga) to the inevitable encore featuring Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You rocks out in an unabashed fashion. Sure, the plot's thinner than a MacBook Air, and little more than an excuse to cram as many Queen anthems as possible into the three-hour running time – but that's pretty much the point. And while there are several moments of pure pantomime, the quality of the staging, music and performances ensure that you won't really give a jot.

The story, for what it's worth, is set in the year 2306, where the Earth has been renamed Planet Mall and kids are told what to watch, wear, listen to, and think. Musical instruments are prohibited, and transgressors are ruthlessly dealt with by Khashoggi (Neels Clasen) and his secret police, under the aegis of the Killer Queen (Annie Crummer). Into this world step two rebels – Galileo Figaro (MiG Ayesa) and Scaramouche (Sivan Raphaely) – who long to break free of conformity and bring rock'n'roll back into the world. Cue rampant guitar solos, headbanging riffs and monster power ballads.

A pitch-perfect band of live musicians (average age just 22) ensure the sounds of Queen are faithfully reproduced, while spirited performances from the leads (and, indeed, the whole company) keep the tempo high throughout. There are plenty of laughs too, and the cast earn enough brownie points through their vitality and verve that you'll be willing to turn the other cheek during the show's weaker moments.

Let's hope this marks the starts a trend of more large-scale musical productions making their way to Hong Kong. But for those about to rock, we salute you.

Paul Kay

Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. Tickets: 3128 8288, www.hkticketing.com. See www.lunchbox-productions.com for more info. Until Jun 22: Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun 1pm & 7pm. $895-$395 ($295-$250 students).