A return to our Theatre Blog... Victoria Ling, from 137
Imaging (www.facebook.com/137imaging)
is guest reviewer:
The
Bodyguard
Newcastle
Theatre Royal
Until
Saturday 18th April 2015
I originally saw The Bodyguard at the West
End a year ago. I
was sceptical back then as I am fan of the film and it would be the first time
I would see soul singer Beverley Knight acting.
I walked out mesmerised.
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Alexandra Burke
in The Bodyguard
Photo: Uli Weber
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Saturday, I went again to see the show as a touring
company. Although I fell in love with it a year ago I was again sceptical as
this time I would be witnessing a ‘reality TV star come pop star’ take to the
stage. When Ms. Knight left the West End
it was Alexandra Burke who took over the reign of Rachel Marron and as The
Bodyguard hits the road she would be the leading lady again.
Well, what can I say? I am happy I got the opportunity
to see this show again. It was
interesting to see it on a smaller stage. Take away the interruptions of
certain audience members recording and the stewards flashing torches (but
credit to the staff being so quick), this was a show! And a lot different to that of the West End -
mainly in costume but a bit of script, set and character too!
The opening is literally a fireball of an opening. I was surprised this was not part of the West
End show as a touring show normally goes into smaller
theatres therefore smaller stages. So, this was a very welcome surprise. The energy was heart-thumping from the swing
section and the vocal acrobats of Burke definitely got the audience engaged
from the start and all the way to the end.
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Alexandra Burke
in The Bodyguard
Photo: Paul Coltas
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Burke and the bodyguard himself Frank Farmer (Stuart
Reid), gave amazing performances and to comedy effect at times (cue bar scene
for Reid). Burkes projection is amazing
especially in the ballads. There was so much feeling, that even from the back
seats of the stalls she had me on the verge of tears. Burke is definitely made for theatre.
I must say though it was the characters of Nicki
Marron played by Melissa James and the Stalker played by Mike Denman that were
the stars, for me personally. James plays jealousy down to a T. And the
‘intense creepiness’ that Denman gives literally raises the roof off the
Theatre Royal from the audience and their boo’s.
I think it is fair to say that there is definitely an audience difference
between that of the West End
and to this particular performance at the Theatre Royal. The audience, especially nearer the front
were ready to get on their feet (and so were my little group). There were definitely more ‘crowd
participators’ with shouts of ‘I love you Frank’ and almost pantomime effects
of ooh’s and again the boo’s, for the
Stalker.
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The Bodyguard
Photo: Paul Coltas
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There were moments where I thought more emotion could
have been carried off but when a show is 98% engaging I think these could be
forgiven.
The shows at the Theatre Royal are near to sell out
(at time of writing I think only 30 seats are left, with performances running
18th April) but good news for those wanting to see it in the North East
again, it will return but this time at the Sunderland Empire on 1-12 March
2016. Tickets go on sale Monday 20th
April. Cast is yet to be announced.
This review was written by
Victoria Ling for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Victoria on twitter @LilVik or follow her photography on
Facebook (www.facebook.com/137imaging)
Read the original
Jowheretogo Preview here
Tickets:
The Bodyguard appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wed 1 – Sat 18 April 2015 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thursdays 2pm,
Saturdays 2.30pm and Wednesday 15
April 2pm).
Tickets are on sale now and are available from
£17.50 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most
tickets) can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21
or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.
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