Burke shows Belfast she was born to step into Whitney’s shoes with breathtaking Bodyguard show
Grand Opera House, Belfast
IF Whitney Houston had been looking down on Belfast’s Grand Opera House last night, she would no doubt have been smiling in approval as Alexandra Burke stepped into her big shoes and even bigger vocals in The Bodyguard musical.
Burke has come a long way from her days as an X Factor contestant and winner, and this show is testament to that.
Several leading musicals, including Chicago and Chess, as well as a spell on Strictly Come Dancing, all helped hone Burke for the role.
This is her second time touring and playing the lead role in The Bodyguard, and she does not disappoint.
From the opening chords of Queen of the Night (which she surely was) through to the grand finale and the heart-stopping rendition of I Will Always Love You, the audience was hooked and believed in her powerful performance.
Stepping back into the role of starlet Rachel Marron, Burke proved that she has just got better with time.
Hit after hit came in the thumping performance, from I Wanna Dance With Somebody, The Greatest Love of All, How Will I Know, I am Every Woman and the tear-jerking Run To You.
Not only can Burke sing, she can act as well — and full marks must also go to her co-star and eye-candy, Benoit Marechal. The duo had the onstage chemistry which made the love story believable.
Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the stage version is different but equally compelling and engrossing.
With Burke bursting out ballad after ballad, some of the best moments were simply her on stage with a microphone.
As well as a tribute to Whitney’s music, there was top choreography and an amazing set design.
This is one show in town you simply won’t want to miss.
Praise must also go to Rachel’s young son in the musical, Fletcher, who stole the show with his funky dance moves and singing.
Sister Nikki also put in a fine performance and carried out some high-powered duets with the star of the show.
The Belfast audience was on a high from the curtain-up to the rapturous dance-along finale.
Burke was born to step into this role. She did Whitney proud but she made it her own and brought the character to life in her fierce and sassy way.
The real star of the show was her husky voice, rendering the audience speechless and in awe of her talents.
The Bodyguard runs at the Grand Opera House until February 16. Book your tickets now.
You won’t be disappointed —this is one show you do not want to miss.
Just pack a tissue or two!
KAREN IRELAND