QUEEN guitarist Brian May and playwright Ben Elton were in the North-East yesterday to promote their hit musical.

We Will Rock You is playing at the Sunderland Empire, starring Jonathan Wilkes, soap star Kevin Kennedy and X Factor finalist Brenda Edwards.

Elton created the futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hits.

He said: “This show is all about legend. We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music.

“They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two – the dreamer Galileo and the sassy rock chick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?”

We Will Rock You has moved from London’s West End to theatres around the world for the past six years to an audience of more than six million.

There have been more than 2,300 performances and the show has grossed more than £100m.

May said: “We are excited to be able, finally, to send a brand new top class company out on tour around the UK.”

We Will Rock You runs until June 27. Call 0844- 847-2499 for ticket details.