The Olivier-nominated West End musical The Bodyguard welcomes 13 year-old Joshua-James Thomas and 12 year-old Michael Matias to the cast as Fletcher, the young son of Tony winner Heather Headley’s character Rachel. The boys alternate the role with current cast members Taylor Lockhart and Malaki Paul at the Adelphi Theatre. Directed by Thea Sharrock and co-starring Lloyd Owen as the title bodyguard, the musical has extended through September 28.
Based on the 1992 film of the same name, The Bodyguard tells the story of Frank Farmer (Owen), a former secret service agent who is hired to protect singer Rachel Marron (Headley) from a mysterious stalker. Although Farmer and Marron both expect to be in charge, neither one expects to fall in love. The Bodyguard features a score of hit songs including “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “One Moment in Time,” “Saving All My Love,” “Run to You,” "I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and of course, “I Will Always Love You.”
Thomas makes his West End debut in The Bodyguard. He currently attends Hatch End High School Performing Arts College. His television credits include New Tricks, The Paul O’Grady Show, Tune Attics, The Bill, The Morgana Show, Angry Birds and Horrid Henry Movie.
Matias has performed on stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lion King and Oliver! He has also appeared on the recordings of We Will Remember Them and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (schools recording).
The Bodyguard is nominated for four 2013 Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Headley), Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Debbie Kurup) and Best Set Design.
Click below to see Headley and the cast of The Bodyguard celebrate opening night of the new West End hit!