Whitney – Queen of the Night at the Charter Theatre Preston Review

Reviewed by Bernadette Booth

We arrived at Preston’s lovely Charter Theatre looking forward to this show as we are both Whitney Houston fans.

The theatre staff were very helpful, as always, and we got to our seats filled with anticipation. It was a full house, all ages were represented in the audience, with a surprisingly high number of young people, demonstrating the timeless attraction of Whitney’s music.

The evening’s entertainment began as soon as the lights went up on stage – a very slick and tight five piece band, three female backing singers, and then the absolutely brilliant Shanice Smith as Whitney. Shanice nailed it (as they say on X factor!) she captured the essence of Whitney beautifully – a powerful voice that was just glorious to listen to and some fabulous costumes.

We were treated to all the greatest Whitney hits, ‘So emotional’, ‘Saving all my love for you’ and ‘One moment in time’ to name just a few.  The hits just kept on coming. Shanice and the backing girls also performed a couple of gospel hits – ‘Step by step’ and ‘Jesus loves me’ – sensational.

Shanice Smith encouraged audience participation, especially lovely was when she encouraged a male audience member to sing and dance – a few moments in time I’m sure he’ll never forget!

The highlight for us (and there were many) was the performance of ‘I will always love you’. A truly magnificent performance by Shanice.

The evening celebrated the life and soul of Whitney Houston and reminded us what a wonderful singer and person the world has lost.

If we closed our eyes, it was like being at an original Whitney concert, I think we can speak for the entire audience, who were up on their feet singing and dancing for the majority of this wonderful evening.

How do you follow the original Whitney? Shanice came very, very close last night, this is a show well worth going along to see. Shanice Smith was definitely the Queen of the Night.

A fantastic 5 out of 5.

Rating: 5/5

Whitney – Queen of the Night is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.queenofthenight.co.

For other shows at the Charter Theatre in Preston visit prestonguildhall.co.uk or call the box office on 01772 804444.

The Guild Hall & Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT | 01772 80444