For years now, incredible and talented people have been able to spread their love for the music icons who are no longer with us. Theatres across the country put on beautiful tributes to recognise artists from Queen and Amy Winehouse to Prince and Tina Turner.
On the 27th of July, The Queens Theatre in Hornchurch celebrated the life of power icon Whitney Houston and her music, a show called ‘Whitney Houston: Queen of the Night’, starring Holly Bannis as the lead.
With diva-style fashion outfits and vibrant stage lighting, the show began with the energetic pop song ‘So Emotional’, crafted with the distinct vocal range from Holly; the singer radiated the vibes of Whitney, making her musical spirit come alive in front of the audience.
With the upbeat energy flowing across every performance like all Whitney Houston songs do to every listener, the tribute brought a magical atmosphere, and with the help of the musicians and backup dancers – Lauren Dunning and Harriet Miller, the excitement filled the room.
Queen of the Night not only featured the remarkable greatest hits of Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘Step By Step’, and ‘Greatest Love All’, but it took the audience on a journey where the performers gave an insight into how Whitney came to be the greatest voice there ever was.
Alongside Holly Bannis as Whitney, another empowering performer who took on some of the ballads of the show was singer Samantha Ivey, who, like Bannis, blew the audience away with her vocal range, dance moves and performance energy. Both together sang extraordinarily with emotional hits like ‘Saving All My Love’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘When You Believe’.
Of course, there would be no Whitney without 80s fashion of her leather jackets, sequins and hairdos, so it was no surprise when the stars of the show looked all like the fashionable influencing icon.
While solo artist tributes only focus on one singer, it was special to see Holly Bannis, Sam Ivey and their two backup dancers, Lauren Dunning and Harriet Miller, shine with their voices singing their hearts out to the Whitney songs, while encouraging the audience’s participation.
Promoted by Cuffe and Taylor, Queen of the Night was set up by production company Paul Roberts Productions and directed by Michael Paggett, and has produced successful shows all over the UK. Since the success of the tribute show, the company have now announced new dates in the UK, click here to find out more.
An interactive, entertaining and empowering tribute show recommended for anyone who wants to celebrate the queen of the night, Whitney Houston.