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The Bodyguard @ the regent theatre- Review
Rachel Marron, A Fierce Queen of the Night
The Bodyguard, The Musical opened at the Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke on Trent on Monday 27th February. It is a David Ian and Michael Harrison production directed by Thea Sharrock, with Musical Director Sam Hall and runs until Saturday 4th March.
It opens with a high energy performance of Queen of the Night and sets the high standard for the rest of the evening bringing the glitz and glamour of the music industry to Stoke on Trent.
The show is based on the 1992 film which starred Whitney Houston and Keven Costner in the lead roles and the story of a global singing superstar mirrored the life of Whitney herself making it the perfect vehicle to showcase her talent.
This production stars Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls as Rachel Marron and Auden Callaghan as Frank Farmer. Melody had a previous commitment on Monday evening in Manchester so the part of Rachel was played by Samantha Mbolekwa who is on her UK Tour debut. She did not disappoint with her vocal range and acting skills.
Another incredible voice in the production belongs to Emily-Mae who plays Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron. She has some lovely moments which showcase her fabulous voice.
Another joy in the show is Kaylea Aires Fonseca who plays Rachel’s son Fletcher, he has a natural presence on stage and shines quite brightly. He is one of four young boys who will play the part during the UK tour.
If you haven’t seen the film then I won’t spoil the show for you but Marios Nicolaides performance as the Stalker is suitably menacing and as evidenced at the curtain call when the audience booed.
The only thing that I noticed in the show, it is only a small thing, but at a couple of moments you have these two incredible female vocalists giving it everything on stage and the lighting lets them down. The audience wants to see them but the spots were slightly off leaving them a little in the dark. It can be easily rectified and I do appreciate the logistics and difficulties recreating a show in a different theatre each week.
It would be very easy for this show to turn into a Whitney Houston tribute, as I have seen in other productions, but this show gets the balance just right. Samantha played the part of Rachel Marron and not Whitney playing Rachel.
I would urge everyone to go and see this show while it is here, you will be in for a treat and a little boogie at the curtain call, well we all want to dance with someone.
The Bodyguard The Musical runs until Saturday 4th March at the Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke on Trent.
For tickets and info please click on the link below;
