Queen of the Night at Kent theatre celebrates Whitney magic

The audience was up on its feet and singing along to those superb Whitney Houston numbers

As I counted down the days to see Queen of the Night: A tribute to Whitney Houston at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, her songs popped into my head. Of course, who doesn’t remember her young, angelic face – and spectacular vocals – on the music video I wanna dance with somebody?

I found myself singing I will always love you, and the sassy It’s not right but it’s okay, around the house and then how could I forget, I’m every woman? But it was only on opening the programme on the night, after excitedly getting settled in my seat, and saw the 22 songs to be performed in Act One and Act Two, that I was reminded what a spectacular output Houston had during life.

And what I was also to be reminded of at Queen of the Night, was the joy of hearing a live singer and band, and both were superb. Adeniké Adwewale has a phenomenal voice, hitting notes which seemed to fly up to the ceiling and burst through to the night skies and stars, with such power you felt yourself holding the arm of your friend or sister, on either side.

Adeniké was a contestant on The Voice in the UK in 2020, under the mentoring and coaching of WILL.I.AM, where she blew away coaches with her performance of Get Here by Oleta Adams. She reached the semi-finals.

And a fascinating detail you have to know about her, she is a martial arts instructor, teaching young children. She holds a black belt (3rd dan) in Taekwondo.

Aside from a monumental performance by Adeniké, the ever-changing costumes and the lighting and sets were a feast for the eyes. Last year, the show entered its 10th year performing in UK theatres.

During that time it has played at every major UK theatre, including the London Palladium, and the most prestigious of them all, The Royal Albert Hall. The show was taken on a hugely successful month-long tour of the USA.

Also last year, the UK Arena Tour kicked off with more international dates. To see practically all the audience at the Assembly Hall Theatre standing up, pumping their hands in the air, or having a boogie, laughing, smiling and belting out the songs with Adeniké, was one of those crazily uniting experiences which makes you laugh but feel a little emotional too.

What’s this? You mean we can just have fun and forget our cares, all of us together, for a few hours? No wonder this show had so many people at it.

People absolutely lost themselves in the music and the joyful celebration of the magical, the unforgettable Whitney Houston. And we were able to enjoy the next best thing, someone as great as the queen Adeniké bringing those tunes alive for us, for just one night, or as the song goes, for One Moment in Time.

What to see next at The Assembly Hall Theatre

On Wednesday, May 20 at 7.30pm, direct from London’s West End, The Music Of Coldplay By Candlelight is coming to Tunbridge Wells. Featuring a spectacular cast of world-class vocalists and an epic live band, prepare for total Paradise, as you experience Coldplay’s biggest hits, like never before.

This incredible concert will take you on the Adventure Of A Lifetime, with not just a Sky Full Of Stars, but a room full of candlelight and spectacular live music, too. Get ready to hear all your favourites, from Viva La Vida and Hymn For The Weekend, to Yellow, The Scientist and many more, all performed live by candlelight.

So, make sure you book your tickets, faster than the Speed Of Sound, and join this phenomenal live show, guaranteed to Fix You. Tickets range from £24.53 to £40.

Groups of eight save 10 per cent; groups of 15, 20 per cent; and groups of 50, a whopping 30 per cent. Find out more information and book tickets here.

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