LondonMusicalReview

The Bodyguard – New Wimbledon Theatre, London

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan

Book: Alexander Dinelaris

Director: Thea Sharrock

The Bodyguard, based on the 1999 blockbuster movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, before being transformed into a musical featuring hits such as I Will Always Love You and I’m Every Woman, is back on tour and alluring audiences across the UK yet again.

Megastar diva Rachel Marron (Melody Thornton) is the talk of the moment – in the running to win an Oscar, selling out concerts everywhere she plays and recording hit record after hit record. But aside from her loyal fanbase, she’s attracted an obsessive stalker, one that sends her threatening letters, and breaks into her dressing room to steal items of clothing. Stubbornly agreeing to extra protection, she allows her team to hire bodyguard Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan) to tighten up security, while simultaneously, also unexpectedly, strengthening a romantic connection between the two of them.

Although it is mainly a brilliant jukebox musical showcasing the wonderful Whitney’s dazzling discography, it thankfully isn’t just a musical without any substance behind it. The creative team do a fantastic job of bringing Lawrence Kasdan’s screenplay to life, using cinematic elements such as pre-recorded projections, to incorporate the look and style of the original movie. It’s often hard to convey the tension and shock-factor of a thriller on the stage, but director Thea Sharrock expertly times the jump-scares and suspense to maximum effect.

Music icon Houston’s shoes are naturally hard to fill, but Thornton does an excellent job of belting out the power ballads and hitting the high notes, not simply imitating Houston, but instead performing impeccably well within her own talented vocal style. She doesn’t fully embody the confidence or energy that the role requires however, at times seemingly holding back with apprehension, but her vocals more than compensate for these momentary moments of trepidation.

Queen Of The Night Emily-Mae (Nicki Marron), has incredible talent and stage presence, impressing both singularly and collaboratively with her jaw-droppingly good singing voice. Callaghan plays the part of the serious, yet soft bodyguard to perfection, with his intentionally terribly sung solo performance of I Will Always Love You adding some light-hearted humour to the storyline. Although quite a rigid character in nature, Callaghan manages to bring the depths of Frank’s personality out in droves, well-acted and believably portrayed.

So, if you Wanna Dance With Somebody to the fantastic selection of Whitney Houston classics, get So Emotional over the cutely cheesy love story, or if the Greatest Love Of All for you is action-packed suspense – this show has the lot, so spare One Moment In Time and grab tickets while this brilliant musical is still touring.

Runs until 11 March 2023, then continues to tour

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Wonderful Whitney’s Dazzling Discography

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The Reviews Hub London is under the editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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