Full Cast Announced for THE BODYGUARD in Melbourne

Producers Michael Harrison, David Ian and John Frost today announced that the Melbourne season of the international award-winning hit musical THE BODYGUARD will play at the Regent Theatre from 24 August. The 2017 Australian tour of THE BODYGUARD will commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 21 April, before playing at the Lyric Theatre, Brisbane from 19 July, then moving to the Regent Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets go on sale for the Melbourne season on 27 February through Ticketmaster.

Joining the principal cast of Paulini as Rachel Marron, Kip Gamblin as bodyguard Frank Farmer and Prinnie Stevens as Nicki Marron will be Andrew Hazzard (Spring Awakening) as Sy Spector, Patrick Williams (Hair) as Bill Devaney, Brendan Irving (The Rocky Horror Show) as the Stalker, Damien Bermingham (Chicago) as Tony, and Glaston Toft (Jersey Boys) as Ray Court.

Also joining the cast of THE BODYGUARD are Anthony Bartley, Samantha Bruzzese, Amy Campbell, Olivia Cariniato, Chris Van Doren, Heath Keating, Bree Langridge, Sasha Lian, Samuel McKeown II, Priscilla Stavrou, Max Trengove, Blake Varga and Geoffrey Winter. The young actors who will play Rachel Marron's son will be revealed later.

"We have an incredible cast for THE BODYGUARD, led by two extraordinary singers, Paulini and Prinnie Stevens, and leading man Kip Gamblin in his first musical theatre role," said John Frost on behalf of his co-producers. "I can't wait to get into the rehearsal room and watch the show unfold. I have no doubt Australia will fall in love with this iconic story and those soaring ballads all over again."

Based on the smash-hit Warner Bros 1992 film written by the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill, The Empire Strikes Back), THE BODYGUARD features a book by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge - what they don't expect is to fall in love.

A 'BRILLIANT!' (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a whole host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time - I Will Always Love You.

www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au

PAULINI

With her incredible voice, stunning looks and engaging personality, Paulini is one of Australia's most uniquely talented performers. The Fijian-born singer songwriter first enthralled the nation on the inaugural series of Australian Idol. Audiences instantly fell in love with Paulini's impressive five octave range - a voice still unrivalled and like no other in this country. Since then Paulini has forged a hugely successful career. Her debut album 'One Determined Heart' and smash single 'Angel Eyes' achieved double platinum status, both hitting the #1 spot. She is still one of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album on the Australian ARIA Charts.

She then released another highly acclaimed album 'Superwoman' before releasing two more double platinum albums with the popular all-girl group Young Divas. In 2015, debuting at #25 on the ARIA charts, Paulini's highly-anticipated third solo album 'Come Alive' was released, an infectious, fresh blend of catchy pop, sexy grooves, funky RnB and heart-felt soul that was a labour of love for Paulini, inspired by her personal experiences.

Paulini's sound has been Influenced by some of the most iconic voices in music, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and her childhood idol Whitney Houston, having won the National Star Search Competition in her teens with her incredible rendition of Whitney's timeless classic When You Believe, showcasing her world class talent from a young age.

Since signing with Alberts Music Publishing, the singer travelled the globe from New York to Los Angeles, Paris and London, collaborating with some of the world's best producers including Chris Rosa (producer for Macy Gray/Jamie Foxx), Erik 'Blue2th' Griggs (Jordin Sparks, Dreamgirls soundtrack) and Philippe-Marc Anquetil (Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Timomatic). Paulini's song writing abilities are very much in demand, she's penned songs for many international artists including hits for The Voice winners from France and the Philippines in recent years.

She has had incredible success internationally having wowed audiences at New York's illustrious Pride festival, sung in Dubai, Paris, Berlin and Shanghai across several prestigious global sporting events, and performed at the esteemed G'Day USA showcase in the States celebrating all things Australian.

Paulini has come a long way since her days on Australian Idol; she is thrilled for her theatrical debut in The Bodyguard and performing songs she has known and loved for as long as she can remember. Looking and sounding better than ever, she maintains the grace and humility audiences first fell in love with and cannot wait to embrace this next chapter of her musical journey with her fans.

KIP GAMBLIN

Kip Gamblin is a multifaceted performer, an accomplished actor, dancer and choreographer. Sydney born, Kip is most known to Australian audiences for his roles in a wide range of television dramas including Home and Away, All Saints, Tricky Business, Dance Academy and most recently Neighbours. His role as Scott Hunter in Home and Away won him the TV Week Logie award for Best New Talent. Kip later gained international acclaim for his performances in the BBC London's drama series Casualty where he spent two years working as a series regular.

Kip commenced his training in dance, theatre and drama at the McDonald College of Performing Arts in Sydney, and later at the Australian Ballet School. His theatre credits include principal dance roles with Australian Ballet, Western Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and Royal Opera Covent Garden. Spotted by Kenny Ortega (producer, director and choreographer best known for High School Musical and Michael Jackson's tour 'This is It'), Kip was offered a featured solo dance role performing alongside Barbara Streisand on her Australian tour of Timeless. His dance career has seen him travel extensively throughout the world with highly successful tours to Europe, UK, Asia, and the United States. Kip's film credits include Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge and Bruce Beresford's Mao's Last Dancer.

In recent years Kip has enjoyed giving back to the arts community, by guest speaking, presenting, teaching and coaching dance and drama for students at NIDA, Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Newtown High School of Performing Arts and various local dance schools. When he is not performing, Kip enjoys spending time with his family, surfing and playing music with his sons.

PRINNIE STEVENS

Prinnie is undoubtedly one of Australia's most sought after performers - an incredible singer, dancer, songwriter and presenter. She burst on to the scene at age 17 performing in the Australian premiere of Rent: The Musical. It was her Helpmann nominated performance in Oh, What A Night! that took her to the next level - she was asked to move to New York and front an all-girl group for Sony Music. Whilst in New York, Prinnie performed alongside Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Mary J Blige, John Legend and many more.

Despite this success, Australia kept calling. Prinnie returned to her homeland and chose to step out and try something new. She auditioned for the TV program The Voice. She could not have imagined the success of the show nor the opportunities that would arise having made the top four in Team Joel. Since The Voice, Prinnie has had continued success. She was asked to join the 2013 cast of Celebrity Apprentice and also co-hosted on The Voice Kids.

Prinnie recently made her return to musical theatre and her West End debut in London with Thriller LIVE. Prinnie's performance of Michael Jackson's songs gained her rave reviews touring Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia before returning home and starring in Bonnie Lythgoe's production of Aladdin at the State Theatre.

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