Review: The Bodyguard, The Musical

This month, The Bodyguard is running at Milton Keynes Theatre starring the wonderful Alexandra Burke in the lead role as Rachel Marron. I went in with an open and unsure mind as (if you can believe it!) I have never seen the super famous movie of the same name which stars Whitney Houston and where some of the most well-known songs in the world shot to fame including ‘I will always love you’, ‘I’m every woman’ and ‘I wanna dance with somebody’.

The show was brilliant. From the dazzling opening number with great lighting and giant flames (mum and I looked at each other and said ‘oo, that was warm!’), the thrills and tensions of Rachel’s stalker getting ever-closer to her to the big finale and perfect rendition of ‘I will always love you’. Alexandra Burke’s vocals and stage presence are completely captivating, she sure can sing and the audience was wild for her. She made the role her own, with a modern and younger take on Whitney’s original Rachel. Supporting her, with another great voice and vocal range is Micha Richardson who plays Nicki Marron, Rachel’s sister. And of course, the Bodyguard himself, Benoit Marechal as Frank Farmer. His attempt at karaoke was really funny and although he’s playing a stern and strict character he is equally loveable.

The story and music fit nicely together and the tension gradually builds throughout the two acts, with lots of power ballads in between. A big well done to all the cast, the ensemble, the choreographers, musicians, lighting technicians and everyone else that make this such a memorable show. I would definitely see it again.

The show runs until 23^rd March 2019. Grab tickets while you still can at www.atgtickets.com

REVIEW: Sister Act at MK Theatre

Sister Act at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Starring X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke, this Broadway and West End musicial has finally come to Milton Keynes. Alexandra has come a long way from her X-Factor days, and gave a brilliant performance throughout. Set in the late 70s, the show was full of disco and motown songs which Alexandra performed effortlessly, her rich voice filling the auditorium with soul and funk.

Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, this is musical adaptation of the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. It followed the original story, however none of the original songs from the film featured in the stage version. This didn’t detract from the performances though.

The set was well executed. The convent was a gothic style church interior with tall arches that doubled as a tacky nightclub with a clever tweak of the lighting. The big finale (without giving too much away) was also very impressive, which goes to show that a lot of thought has been put into the stage design.

The rest of the cast also performed well. A particular highlight was the characters playing the musical instruments on stage as part of their character. This added a whole new dimension to the show and made the music of the show really come alive. A slight hiccup when one of the characters’ microphones failed, but he soldiered on through. We were close enough to hear him without the microphone, however this could have caused problems for the people at the back.

My only negative was when the sisters were eating Christmas dinner. I understand that at this point in the show, they hadn’t had any musical advice from Deloris Van Cartier (Burke), however their screachy singing was a bit hard to understand.

Sister Act runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 1st October.
Box office: 0844 871 7652
Website: www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes

REVIEW: The Bodyguard at MK Theatre

The Bodyguard at Milton Keynes Theatre

This award-winning musical had a lot to live up to and, with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke as lead actress, it was a tremendous production of the blockbuster film, The Bodyguard. Three-time Brit nominee, Burke, was captivating and really suited the role of Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer, is hired as Rachel Marron’s bodyguard, as she needs protection from a stalker. As their time together and relationship develops, there are some unexpected twists and turns to the performance. 

The stage set was colourful and impressive. Congratulations must particularly go to the lighting team for some impressive displays. The music team did a brilliant job, and teamed with Burke’s outstanding vocal range, it was a very memorable production. Songs such as One Moment in Time, Run to You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You, were performed perfectly. Another fantastic performer was Melissa James (Rachel Marron’s sister in the musical). She stood out as a very experienced, memorable singer. 

This was also one of those shows that when you think it’s all over its not; a trend that is happening in more shows to give the audience some participation and leaving with the feel good factor. 

There are still some tickets available for this fantastic show at MK Theatre.

Tickets: atgtickets.com

Running from: 13th April – 23rd April 2016