Preview: The Bodyguard at Sunderland Empire

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NORTH EAST’S ZOE BIRKETT TO STAR IN THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL

The Bodyguard

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 1^st – Saturday 12^th March 2016

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that Zoe Birkett will star in the leading role of ‘Rachel Marron’ in Thea Sharrock’s hit musical The Bodyguard (www.thebodyguardmusical.com) when it returns to the North East to play Sunderland Empire from 1-12 March 2016.

Zoe Birkett

Zoe Birkett said "Playing Rachel Marron is a dream come true for me. Whitney Houston has always been an idol of mine, singing those legendary songs I will have to pinch myself. I can't wait to start the production and get on the road around the UK."

Consett-born actress and singer Zoe Birkett is probably best known as the highest placing female contestant in ITV’s Pop Idol, 2002. Since then she has appeared in the West End productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, originated the female lead in Thriller Live and was also a lead role in Respect La Diva. Her other theatre credits include the Acid Queen in Tommy, Maureen in Rent and Dion in Hair.

Producer Michael Harrison said today “Not only am I thrilled that our production of the musical The Bodyguard is returning to the North East next March, but for the North East’s very own leading lady, the amazing Zoe Birkett, to be playing the role of star Rachel Marron is truly the icing on the cake. Zoe is such a wonderful actress and singer that I’m sure the theatregoers of Sunderland will welcome her home with the same fantastic reception she has been receiving throughout the UK.”

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

Tickets:

Tickets on sale now and available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland *

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your standard network charge. Booking fees may apply to telephone and online bookings

Review: The Bodyguard Newcastle Theatre Royal

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 18^th 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.

Alexandra Burke

in The Bodyguard

Photo: Uli Weber

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!

Alexandra Burke

in The Bodyguard

Photo: Paul Coltas

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. 

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.

The Bodyguard

Photo: Paul Coltas

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.

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 18^th 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 20^th 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)

Victoria Ling – http://137imaging.co.uk

                      

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.

Preview: The Bodyguard at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Alexandra Burke To Star In The Bodyguard 

When It Arrives In Newcastle!

The Bodyguard

Newcastle Theatre Royal

1st - 18th April 2015

 

Alexandra Burke will take on the role of Rachel Marron when the multi award-winning West End musical The Bodyguard, visits Newcastle Theatre Royal next Spring on its first ever UK tour.  Get ready to be blown away from Wednesday 1st – Saturday 18th April 2015!

Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

photo by Uli Weber

Following her sell-out run at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have today announced that three-time Brit nominee and X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke, will star in the leading role of Rachel Marron in the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of Thea Sharrock’s hit musical The Bodyguard.

Alexandra Burke said "I couldn't be happier to be joining the tour and I'm excited to get started. Being on the theatre stage has brought me great happiness. It is an honour to have been asked to join the team and I look forward to creating new and long lasting memories with the cast."

Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

(Photograph of West End production)

Photo by Paul Coltas

Alexandra Burke rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor. Her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. Burke’s first album, Overcome saw the release of her subsequent number one singles Bad Boys and Start Without You. In 2011 she embarked on her first solo tour and was invited by Beyoncé to support her I Am... Tour. Her second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012 and later this year sees the release of her third studio album.

Alexandra Burke will perform the role of Rachel Marron at all evening performances. At the matinee performances, the role of Rachel Marron will be played by Zoe Birkett.

Zoe Birkett, born and raised in Consett, is probably best known as the highest placing female contestant in ITV’s Pop Idol, 2002. Since then she has appeared in the West End productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and originated the female lead in Thriller Live. Her other theatre credits include the Acid Queen in Tommy and Maureen in Rent.

Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

(Photograph of West End production)

Photo by Paul Coltas

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

The story sees former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

On The Web:

Website: http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBodyguardUK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebodyguardmusical

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.

Preview: The Bodyguard musical - Newcastle Theatre Royal

WEST END SPECTACULAR THE BODYGUARD VISITS NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL ON ITS FIRST EVER MAJOR UK TOUR

 

The Bodyguard (Photograph of West End production) - Photo: Paul Coltas

The multi award winning West End musical The Bodyguard, based on the smash-hit film will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal next Spring on its first ever UK tour from Wednesday 1 until Saturday 18 April 2015! Public booking for this show begins on Saturday 3rd May 2014.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard opened to rave reviews at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End in December 2012, where it continues to play to packed houses and standing ovations. It was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design.

 

The Bodyguard (Photograph of West End production) - Photo: Paul Coltas

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

The Bodyguard is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian. The North East’s own Michael Harrison is the wunderkind behind the last 10 record breaking pantomimes at Newcastle Theatre Royal and will return to wow audiences with the year’s pantomime – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.The Bodyguard opened featuring Tony and Grammy Award winning actress Heather Headley in the role of Rachel Marron (played by Whitney Houston in the film version), with Beverley Knight currently playing the role before Alexandra Burke takes over to play the final three months of the run. Casting for the tour will be announced shortly.

Tour website: http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebodyguardmusical 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBodyguardUK

Public booking (including online booking) opens Saturday 3 May 2014.  Become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and you can book the best seats in the house from Tuesday 29 April 2014.

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 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.