PICS: The Bodyguard releases new production images

New production images have been released for The Bodyguard. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge). Beverley Knight is reprising her performance in the musical which opened at the Dominion Theatre on 15th July 2016 and plays until 7th January 2017.

The cast also includes Ben Richards (Frank Farmer), Ben Richards (The Bodyguard), Rachel John(Nicki Marron), Carole Stennett (alternate Rachel), Mark Holden (Bill Devaney), Alex Andreas(Tony), Dominic Taylor (Sy Spector), Matthew Stathers (Stalker) and Glen Fox (Ray Court). 

Full casting confirmed for The Bodyguard; first look at Beverley Knight & Ben Richards

Full casting has been confirmed for the West End revival of The Bodyguard.

As previously announced, Beverley Knight will reprise her performance in the musical which runs at the Dominion Theatre between 15th July 2016 and 7th January 2017.

The cast also includes Ben Richards (Frank Farmer), Ben Richards (The Bodyguard), Rachel John (Nicki Marron), Carole Stennett (alternate Rachel), Mark Holden (Bill Devaney), Alex Andreas (Tony), Dominic Taylor (Sy Spector), Matthew Stathers (Stalker) and Glen Fox (Ray Court). 

Review: The Bodyguard (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

The Bodyguard (UK Tour) 

Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 13th April 2016
★★★★

Over the past year The Bodyguard has been touring the UK to sold out audiences. Alexandra Burke, who made her West End debut in the musical, reprises her performance as U.S. superstar Rachel Marron for this new touring production.

The Bodyguard returning to the West End starring Beverley Knight!

She's got the stuff that we want! It has been revealed by the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye that British Soul Queen Beverley Knight is reprising her performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard!

After The Bodyguard's UK tour concludes on 18th June 2016 at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, the show will return to the West End for a run at the Dominion Theatre from 15th July 2016 to 15th February 2017.

The Bodyguard previously ran at the Adelphi Theatre between November 2012 and August 2014. Knight made her West End debut in the production in September 2013, boosting box office takings and receiving tremendous acclaim. 

Big Interview: Debbie Kurup

Debbie Kurup is currently reprising her performance in The World Goes Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb which is transferring to the St James Studio following its run last year at the Pheasantry.

With the cast also including Oliver Tompsett, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Alexandra Da Silva and Sally Samad, The World Goes Round runs between 2nd and 7th February 2016. Kander and Ebb are best known for writing musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Fosse and The Scottsboro Boys.

Having played Mimi in the West End production of RENT, Debbie recently starred in Seasons of Larson at the Lyric Theatre. Her West End credits also include: Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard (original West End cast), Velma Kelly in Chicago (Cambridge/Adelphi), understudy Deloris in Sister Act (Palladium) and Dee Dee in Tonight’s The Night (Victoria Palace).

A handful of Debbie’s other theatre credits include: title role in Jack And The Beanstalk (Hackney Empire), Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Sheffield/UK tour), Nancy in Oliver! (Cyprus), Chess In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Diana in I Love You Because (Landor), Anita in West Side Story (Cyprus), Sylv in East (Leicester Curve), Carmen in Fame (UK tour), Guys And Dolls (Sheffield), Diane in Pal Joey (Chichester) and Jo-Anne in Poison (Tricycle).

Last week I sat down with Debbie during a break from The World Goes Round rehearsals to discuss why she loves performing Kander & Ebb’s music, her memories from starring in the West End production of RENT, dusting off her tap shoes for Anything Goes plus lots more… 

Recently you have been doing so many completely different things – from Whitney Houston to Cole Porter, Jonathan Larson and now Kander and Ebb!

[laughs] …and don’t forget I was climbing a beanstalk in-between!

That kind of variety is madness! What is going on inside your brain right now?

Oh my goodness! I have to say, it has been wonderful. As an actor, you strive to have variety and being cast in so many different contrasting roles. I’m on cloud nine right now! There has been no rest point, I’ve been jumping from one thing to the next. My brain is full, but at the same time it’s firing on all cylinders. It feels really good, I’m very inspired right now.

The Bodyguard tour announces new cast

The Bodyguard has announced its new cast for the musical's UK and Ireland tour. New company members will join the show on Wednesday (3rd February) at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.

Alexandra Burke and Stuart Reid continue to lead the cast as Rachel Marron and Frank Farmer. Zoe Birkett, who previously alternated Rachel Marron, will return to the show to lead cast at the Sunderland Empire (1st-12th March).

Fresh from starring in the West End production of Memphis The Musical, Rachel John is taking over as Nicki Marron. Carole Stennett - who previously played Nicki Marron and understudied Rachel Marron in the West End production - is returning to the musical as alternate Rachel Marron.

The Bodyguard to launch U.S. Tour

It has been announced that The Bodyguard is launching a U.S. tour. Directed by Thea Sharrock, the tour will launch in the fall of 2016.

Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B/pop recording artist and film/TV actress Deborah Cox will star as Rachel Marron with additional casting and tour cities to be announced at a later date.

Based on the 1992 movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard premiered in the West End in December 2012 where it run until August 2014. The musical is currently touring the UK and Ireland.

The Bodyguard has set & costume design by Tim Hatley with lighting design by Mark Henderson and sound design by Richard Brooker. Choreography is by Karen Bruce and orchestrations and additional music is by Chris Egan. 

Casting announced for The Bodyguard 2015 UK Tour

Casting has been announced for the 2015 UK Tour of The Bodyguard.

As previously announced, Alexandra Burke will star as Rachel Marron with Zoe Birkett playing the role at matinee performances. The tour opens at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 12th February 2015.

The cast also includes: Stuart Reid (Frank Farmer), Melissa James (Nicki Marron), Mensah Bediako (Bill Devaney), Adam Venus (Sy Spector), Siôn Lloyd (Tony Scibelli), Mike Denman (The Stalker) and Glen Fox (Ray Court). Elliot Aubrey, Jhayheim Davis Mark Jones, Xhanti Mbonzongwana, Chiesa Musonda and Seito Smith will share the role of Fletcher.

Alexandra Burke to star in The Bodyguard's UK Tour!

Following her theatrical debut in the West End production of The Bodyguard, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke will reprise her performance as Rachel Marron in the musical's forthcoming UK and Ireland tour.

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 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.

The Bodyguard confirms further tour venues & dates

Further tour dates have been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Thea Sharrock’s stage adaptation of The Bodyguard.

The tour will open at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton on Thursday 12th February 2015 before embarking on a two year UK and Ireland tour. Take a look at tour dates below (further dates to be announced).

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard has a book by Alex Dinelaris. The musical opened in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre in December 2012 where it runs until Friday 29th August 2014. 

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!

Photo Feature: Former X Factor contestants & celebrity guests attend The Bodyguard's media night

Former X Factor contestants and celebrity guests attended The Boydguard's media night last night (Wednesday 11th June 2014) which officially welcomed Alexandra Burke to the cast. Those in attendance included: Jamelia, Lawson, Jade Ewen, Jenni Falconer, Javine, Anthony Joshua, Kingsland Road, Rough Copy and Amy Willerton.

Take a look at pictures of the celebrity guests arriving at the Adelphi Theatre below (click on image to enlarge). Click here to read West End Frame's review of last night's performance.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard follows former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who 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. 

Photo Feature: Alexandra Burke & Tristan Gemmill celebrate The Bodyguard's media night

Last night (Wednesday 11th June 2014) the West End production of The Bodyguard celebrated Alexandra Burke joining the cast with a special media night performance. Check out pictures of Burke taking her final bow and celebrating after the show with her co-star Tristan Gemmill below (click on image to enlarge).

Click here to read West End Frame's review of last night's performance.

Three-time Brit nominee 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. 

Photo Feature: Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

Production images have been released of Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. Take a look at the pictures below (click on image to enlarge).

Burke plays opposite Tristan Gemmill who continues in the role of Rachel’s bodyguard, Frank Farmer. The Bodyguard runs at the Adelphi Theatre until 29th August 2014.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, Thea Sharrock’s production of The Bodyguardhas book by Alex Dinelaris. November 2012 saw the world premiere of this production which continues to play to packed houses and standing ovations. 

Sneak peek at... Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

As Beverley Knight enters her final week of performances as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, Alexandra Burke is preparing for her first performance on Monday 2nd June 2014. Take a sneak peek at the X Factor winner singing Queen Of The Night and stepping into her costumes for the first time below...

Burke will star opposite Tristan Gemmill who continues in the role of Rachel’s bodyguard, Frank Farmer. and Carole Stennett as Nicki Marron. The Bodyguard runs at the Adelphi Theatre until 30th August 2014. 

Three-time Brit nominee 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. 

CONFIRMED: Alexandra Burke to make West End debut in The Bodyguard

It as been confirmed that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke will join the cast of The Bodyguard as Rachel Marron from Monday 2nd June 2014.

Burke will star opposite Tristan Gemmill who continues in the role of Rachel’s bodyguard, Frank Farmer. 

The Bodyguard will run at the Adelphi Theatre until 30th August 2014. Beverley Knight will continue in the role of Rachel Marron until 31st May 2014.

Alexandra Burke said: “I couldn’t be more excited about joining the cast of The Bodyguard and to play the iconic role of Rachel Marron will be a dream come true.

"I am a massive Whitney Houston fan so to be given the opportunity to play a role made famous by her every night will be a real privilege. I start rehearsals very soon with my fellow cast mates and the brilliant creative team and, with a little trepidation, I am looking forward to our first performance in June.”

GOSSIP: Alexandra Burke to take over from Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard

According to the Daily Mail, Alexandra Burke will take over from Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre from 2nd June 2014. Knight previously announced that she would end her run as Rachel Marron on Saturday 31st May 2014.

This gossip has been confirmed. Click here for further information.

According to Baz Bamigboye, Burke has been taking acting lessons. Producer David Ian said: "We saw her, and our creative team met her, and she was fabulous and knocked the songs out of the park."

GOSSIP: Broadway's Kinky Boots & Newsies searching for West End homes

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has revealed that Broadway musicals Kinky Boots and Newsies are searching for West End homes.

Apparently Kinky Boot's producers are travelling to London to look around a couple of centrally located theatres in hope of securing a venue to open the show in next year. Kinky Boot's director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell is currently in London with his latest show Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Baz claims that Disney musical Newsies is all set to go but can’t find a suitable available theatre.

CONFIRMED: Gemma Arterton to star in Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Following previous reports, producers have confirmed that Gemma Arterton will star in the West End premiere of Made In Dagenham. The musical will open at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October). Based on the hit British film, Arterton will play Rita O’Grady in the musical comedy opposite Adrian Der Gregorian as her husband Eddie. Tickets are on sale now.

Arterton is "beyond thrilled" to be creating the role of Rita on stage. The international star of stage and screen said: "It’s an important story that I’m passionate about telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and dancing in this production! Roll on October!"

UPDATED: Beverley Knight to star in Memphis, The Bodyguard searching for new West End home & Made In Dagenham to open at the Adelphi

According to the Daily Mail, Beverley Knight will star in the West End premiere of Memphis which is set to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October. The performer recently made her West End debut in The Bodyguard to rave reviews, she will leave the production on 31st May.

Memphis opened on Broadway in October 2009 where it ran for 1,165 performances and won 4 Toy Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.