Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Review: Alexandra Burke stars in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre

The Bodyguard 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 11th June 2014

As The Bodyguard enters the final few months of its West End run, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has taken over from soul queen Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron. The Bodyguard has really grown on me, when I first saw it in early 2013 I enjoyed the production but after several return visits it has become one of my favourite musicals in the West End.

Some may moan about film to stage adaptations and jukebox musicals, but The Bodyguard is a smooth and slick production which stands alone as a very strong piece of theatre in its own right. Fans of the 1992 Oscar nominated film will not be disappointed and those unfamiliar with the film wanting to see a big West End show are guaranteed to have a fantastic night out. 

The Bodyguard centres around American superstar Rachel Marron. Her team hire bodyguard Frank Farmer to protect the celebrity against an obsessive and potentially dangerous stalker. At first Rachel doesn't approve of Frank and his ideas but, after Rachel asks Frank on a date, the pair eventually find a way of working together…