Beverley Knight, one of the UK’s greatest female singers of the last two decades, has been stunning West End audiences with her portrayal of Rachel Marron in the hit musical production of The Bodyguard. This weekend she performs a super-exclusive set at the Palace of Pop, G-A-Y. Cliff Joannou grabbed a few minutes of her time between shows…
Did you need much persuading to do The Bodyguard?
I wasn’t asked to do the Bodyguard, I surprised everyone by auditioning! Apparently, the producers didn’t think it would be something I’d be interested in, although I subsequently found out I was top of their wish list! It was therefore a win-win when I told my team I wanted to audition for the role! Funny how things work out, eh? It was meant to be!
That’s amazing. What reservations – if any – did you have about taking on the role?
My only reservation was that the last acting role I had done was when I was 17 years old… er… a long time ago! [Laughs] I did not want to be an epic fail. That film is so precious to so many. Totally iconic. Plus, the fact that I was to have my acting debut in a starring role in the world famous West End! Failure was not an option, so I knew I would have to stretch myself. I’m so glad I took it on!
How did you train for the role?
As a child I took part in every single school production from age 5 to leaving school, from ‘Joseph’ to ‘Grease’ – I must have been one of the first black girls to play the character Sandy – to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. God, I did them all. In addition I was part of what is now called the Central Youth Theatre in Wolverhampton where kids across the city take on a production for the city theatre. I did ‘The Mikado’ and ‘West Side Story’ with them. I was very young, aged 12-13. Loved it. Aside from the dialect coach and direction from our associate director Frank Thompson, that my lovelies, was the sum total of my training. I didn’t watch the film again, I went back to the script (we all did) and built my own Rachel Marron from there. I didn’t want to end up doing a poor imitation of what Whitney had previously done. Her legacy deserved more than that.
How have you handled the intensity of performing virtually ever night?
It is tiring but absolutely fine vocally. The key is staying well and getting rest whenever you can. That hasn’t been so easy this winter with everyone dropping like flies. I ended up getting the lurgy too, but touch wood, no sick days off yet. When you love doing something, you always find the energy, innit?! [Chuckles in a filthy manner…]
Are you on Mariah-like vocal rest between shows?
Me? Mariah-like? Oh no my luv, I like chatting too much! [Laughs] The one thing I share with our Mariah – outside of vocals – is our star sign! Oh, and love of shoes! Rest and hydration and I’m good to go!
What has surprised you most about yourself and the show?
I am surprised by just how much I love doing theatre. I bloody love it! It is wonderful, despite the lack of social time. I didn’t know how much I enjoyed being someone else for an evening either, so much fun!
You have such a huge back catalogue of great music… Was it strange to be on stage singing a whole show comprised of other people’s songs?
It was a strange experience at first singing songs I had not written exclusively night after night. After a while, that feeling left me and I just relaxed into it. I am used to being the creative driving force on stage; it’s so different taking a back seat.
From the celebrity world of music and film, who would be your dream Bodyguard?
My real life Bodyguard? Print a pic of MMA fighter turned movie star Gina Carano. She’ll do! Gorgeous, fit, strong as hell, no regular bloke would stand a chance against her. Did I say gorgeous?
You perform at G-A-Y this Saturday for its Valentine special. Who is your Valentine?
My Valentine is my husband James. Beautiful. In every way. We were married 8th September 2012. We’ve been together seven fabulous years.
Have you thought about the set list?
The set list will be Bodyguard songs. I’ve got my BG crew with me onstage. I cannot wait! It’ll be sooooo much fun!
• The Bodyguard starring Beverley Knight is at G-A-Y (Heaven, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG) on Saturday 15th February. Discount wristbands from G-A-Y Bar.
