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Why West End heartthrob Matt Blaker is the 'perfect fit as Frank Farmer' in 'The Bodyguard: The Musical'
After what felt like “the greatest suspense of all,” 9 Works Theatrical has finally revealed who will be playing Frank Farmer, the titular role in the Manila staging of “The Bodyguard: The Musical": West End heartthrob Matt Blaker.
“He was recommended to me by Christine, along with many others,” Santi Santamaria, 9 Works Theatrical managing director and executive producer, told GMA News Online on Saturday midnight. He is referring to Filipino-British actress Christine Allado, who will play Rachel Marron.
As it turns out, Allado had previously acted with Blaker in a musical. They did "Jekyll & Hyde” together “but it was a workshop so there was only ever one public performance," Santamaria said, quoting Blaker.
More than 10 choices
According to Santamaria, it took them some time to trim their long list of more than 10 actors, Filipinos and other nationalities, for the role of Frank Farmer. And while he has yet to see him perform, Santamaria said, "when I first saw him [Blaker], I told Christine he’s the one."
“When I saw how he looks and the roles he’s played, I knew he’s the perfect fit,” he said.
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Based on the website of his management company, InterTalent Group, Blaker is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting with a first-class degree in musical theatre. It said his most recent role is playing Billy Flynn in the international tour of “Chicago” the musical. Billy Flynn was played by Richard Gere in the 2002 musical film version.
Among the lead roles Blaker played were Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera” at His Majesty’s Theatre; Dexter Haven in “High Society” at The Mill at Sonning in Reading, United Kingdom; Billy Bigelow in “Carousel” at Kilworth House and Hotel in Leicestershire, UK; Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” international tour; Ernst in “Cabaret” at English Theatre Frankfurt; James in “Jesus Christ Superstar” for its international tour; Lt. Cable in “South Pacific” in Guernsey; Levi in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for its national tour, Mr. Bingley in “Pride and Prejudice” at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast; and Dick Trevor in “Lady, Be Good” at Teatro Massimo.
He has also appeared in the Netflix series “The Crown” and has performed with Jersey Boys on China’s CCTV New Year’s Eve show that was reportedly seen live by more than 700 million viewers.
In a statement from 9 Works Theatrical, Blaker was quoted as saying, “What I love about Frank is that he’s fueled by both duty and passion. He’s a man of many sides — family-driven yet fiercely committed to his work — and it’s a gift to be able to portray such a layered character.”
16 shows only
Filipino fans of musical theater should secure their tickets fast. Santamaria exclusively told GMA News Online there will only be 16 performances, with no extensions, starting September 26 until October 19, 2025, at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets now available at ticketworld.com.ph.
Presented by Rockwell Center, “The Bodyguard The Musical’s” creative team is composed of director Robbie Guevara, assistant director Raul Montesa, musical director Daniel Bartolome, scenographer Mio Infante, choreographer Arnold Trinidad, lighting designer Shakira Villa-Symes, sound engineer-designer Aji Manalo, video and projection designer GA Fallarme, technical director Jay Aranda and hair-makeup designer Elliza Aurelio.
Heading the production team is managing director and executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as operations/finance director and company manager, Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Jonjon Martin and Loreta Arroyo as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Reine Paisley as marketing & social media head, Pachot Festejo as production stage manager, and JC Inocian as photographer. — LA, GMA Integrated News
