The Bodyguard has returned to the North East at the Sunderland Empire Theatre this March for a limited time only.
Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian are thrilled to announce that Zoe Birkett will take on the lead role of Rachel Marron in Thea Rock’s sensational musical.
Zoe Birkett said: “Playing Rachel Marron is a dream come true for me. Whitney Houston has always been an idol of mine, singing those legendary songs I will have to pinch myself.”
Miss Birkett, Consett-born actress and singer, is best known for being highest placing female contestant in ITV’s Pop Idol 2002. Since then she has performed in West End productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, was the female lead in Thriller Live and was also a lead role in Respect La Diva.
Producer Michael Harrison said: “Not only am I thrilled that our production of the musical The Bodyguard is returning to the North East, but for the amazing Zoe Birkett, to be playing the lead role of star Rachel Marron is truly the icing on the cake.
“Zoe is such a wonderful actress and singer that I’m sure the theatregoers of Sunderland will welcome her home with the same fantastic reception she has been receiving throughout the UK.”
The 1992 Oscar nominated film starred the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. The production will feature irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and of course one of the biggest selling songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.
Last year X Factor winner Alexandra Burke took on the part, which brought real feistiness to the production.
The show will run until March 12 and tickets are available here.