We Will Rock You holds a very special place in the heart of Grace Trinder, who plays the leading role of Scaramouche in BATS’ production of the musical which features all the best-loved songs of Queen.
Grace Trinder plays Scaramouche
“It reminds me of a really nice time in my life,” says Grace, who teaches drama at the Abbey School in Reading. “I put on the show at school in 2024. Of course we all loved the songs, but finding sense in the craziness of the story with the kids was just amazing! I was also getting married around the same time, so when I saw BATS were doing the show I thought this is a sign! I just had to audition!”
After the big responsibility of directing, producing and stage managing that school version, Grace is enjoying taking to the stage herself again after a break of several years.
“I get a new energy when I go to rehearsal and do something just for me. I don’t have to make all the decisions and I’m not dealing with the stress of everything else.”
She’s loving the part of Scaramouche, the rebel on a mission to bring back rock ‘n roll to a world where music has been banned.
“She’s blunt, sarcastic - very much my sense of humour! And she gets to be in all the good songs - Somebody to Love, Who Wants to Live Forever, Under Pressure, Hammer to Fall, Headlong.”
“There are a lot of harmonies to learn so I’m just listening to the soundtrack in the car over and over again!”
It sounds like Grace has the perfect balance of a job and a hobby she loves. She certainly has no regrets about giving up a professional career in performing.
“I trained in musical theatre and acting for film. I was in the industry for a year but I didn’t like the uncertainty of it all. I didn’t want to fall out of love with the theatre - but still wanted to do a job where I could do theatre every day. Now as a teacher I’m helping kids to love it - and hopefully keeping theatre alive for the next generation!”
See Grace in We Will Rock You at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 12-16 May 2026. View show information and book tickets.