UK & Ireland
Australia
Spain
US & Canada
Netherlands
Germany
As we can all agree Whitney’s shoes are big ones to fill but Alexandra Burke smashed it at the opening night of The Bodyguard at Manchester Palace Theatre last night.
The foundation of The Bodyguard musical is Lawrence Kasdan’s original screenplay which was first adapted for the stage in 2012. Alexandra first starred in The Bodyguard in 2014 and when asked about coming back for the UK tour she said ‘I couldn’t see this show go off on tour and not be part of it’. Alexandra Burke certainly makes the role of Rachel Marron her own playing a younger, edgier version of the character that is inspired by Whitney Houston’s version but is brilliant in her own right.
The original film is known for its knock-out soundtrack and this show certainly does it justice. The songs provoke every emotion from heartbreak through to the dizzying heights of stardom and have the audiences in tears one second and up dancing, clapping along the next! ‘Million Dollar Bill’, one of Whitney’s later songs is spectacular especially when it merges into ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and ‘So Emotional’. The rendition of ‘All The Man That I Need’ is as beautiful as it is heart-breaking and gave me goose bumps it was so sincere.
Alexandra makes these spectacular, award winning songs her own and keeps you captivated throughout, however it’s not just her voice that’s spectacular but her acting and dancing are world class- it’s obvious she's picked up some invaluable experience in her Strictly Come Dancing stint and her starring roles in Chess and Chicago!
Emmy Willow who plays Nicki Marrow has a jaw dropping voice and her rendition of ‘Saving All My Love’ is sensational. Whilst Ben Lewis who plays Frank Farmer does so with utter conviction!
The staging and special effects are fantastic especially the lighting effects as the stalker approaches Rachel which really help create a tense atmosphere. The set, costumes and arrangement are stunning and a credit to the production team.
This show runs at The Palace Theatre Manchester until 4th January Book now
See full dates for the rest of the UK tour Here
