It seems like only yesterday we were stunned by Heather Headley’s remarkable performance at the launch of The Bodyguard, yet yesterday the show actually celebrated its first birthday.
What a year it has been for the musical that makes audiences Wanna Dance With Somebody at the Adelphi theatre.
Many may have been unsure when the news first broke that such a well-loved movie was getting a musical stage makeover. But one year on from opening night, with four Olivier Award nominations under its sparkly belt, the show, which features a host of Whitney Houston’s incredible back catalogue of songs, is a London favourite.
Beverley Knight is now the leading lady, of course. The British soul singer replaced US star Headley at the beginning of the autumn in the role of world-dominating diva with a stalker problem Rachel Marron.
Former Casualty star Tristan Gemmill also joined the cast this autumn, taking the place of Lloyd Owen, who originated the role of ex-secret service agent Frank Farmer, the man called in to protect the unwilling star at her time of need.
But among the cast, there is still a flavour of the originals with Debbie Kurup still playing the role of jealous sister Nicki Marron, who spends her life in her sister’s shade.
It was Kurup who led the celebrations last night – possibly getting So Emotional during that One Moment In Time – as you can see from these images by photographer Dan Wooller.
Forget about Saving All My Love, we want to know if they saved us any cake!