Whilst the talent from prime time TV shows can be relatively poor these days, clinic Alexandra Burke shines brightly.
Alexandra won The X Factor back in 2008 whilst bringing one of the most memorable TV moments when she dueted with Beyonce. She now slips in to the shoes of another unforgettable diva in the form of Whitney Houston in the musical verston of The Bodyguard.
I was perhaps concerned that the talent show star paired with Whitney songs was a little cliche but I could not have been more wrong. Alexandra Burke proves her chops and matches the dizzying vocal heights that made Houston such a super star.
Her stunning stage presence was never in doubt and is perfect for the role of American diva singer Rachel Marron – who incidently requires security after death threats from a crazed stalker.
Enter Stuart Reid who plays bodyguard Frank Farmer and provides some seriously hot on-stage chemistry with his leading lady.
The musical stays true to the film and has a heavy dosage of memorable classics including I Have Nothing, shop Run to You and the famous megahit I Will Always Love You which Burke performs stunningly throughout..
She dances up a storm to the more upbeat tracks whilst offering more gentle moments in the ballads.
The audience love this performance and most spend the first half trying to resist singing along to every word of the Whitney classics.
This is so much more than a jukebox musical, it is a stunning re-imagination of the film. The staging is spectacular as is the constume design and gives the entire production a cinematic frame.
From the explosive start to the feelgood finale this is a stunningly good performance that any theatergoer can enjoy.