The Bodyguard the Musical – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Original Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan

Book: Alexander Dinelaris

The international award winning, romantic thriller, The Bodyguard the Musical, is back touring. It premiered in 2012 after six years in development and in the same year that Whitney Houston died. It is based on the 1992 Warner Brothers film featuring Whitney Houston as Rachel Marron and Kevin Costner as the bodyguard.

Alexander Dinelaris’ book brings the story up to the present day, and the main character in the musical version is Rachel Marron rather than the bodyguard Frank Farmer. Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron plays a more integral part than in the film version as well.

The musical features a host of Houston’s tracks including So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love for You, How Will I Know, All the Man That I Need, All at Once, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and most famous of all I Will Always Love You.

Rachel Marron is a diva and famous singer with a ten-year-old son Fletcher; her life is under threat from an unidentified stalker. Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service Agent is employed as her bodyguard. Rachael feels Frank is being over protective and restrictive. After a time, she begins to realise her life is indeed in danger from the stalker. A romance develops between her and Frank. Her sister, also a gifted singer, is jealous of all the attention Rachael receives from the public and from the romantic affections of Frank.

Frank, as ever the professional, knows he must not allow the romance to proceed if he is to protect Rachel from the stalker’s attack. There are many unexpected twists and turns in the story. The menacing threats and sightings of the stalker add to the tension, until it all reaches a climax.

Sidonie Smith is excellently cast as Rachel Marron. She has the strong voice and the demeanour of a diva, whilst at the same time portraying her tenderness and love for her young son. Her numerous costume changes and presence on stage and her ability to show a vulnerability is quite a feat. In contrast to the glitz and glamour of show business, Adam Garcia is able to convincingly portray the role of the straight, serious ever vigilant bodyguard.

Sasha Monique, as Rachel’s sister Nicki, also has a beautiful voice singing solo and alongside Sidonie Smith. Fletcher, at this performance ten-year-old Prince Conteh, is a real talent to watch. He sings, dances and brings the innocence of youth against the sinister and ever presence threat of the unknown stalker.

In many of the scenes the set is plain, with swags of curtaining suggesting opulence with a single piece of furnishing indicating the setting. It is the lighting and effects that take centre stage. Be prepared to be shocked, it is after all a romantic thriller.

Finally enjoy the exuberant, joyful release at the final curtain. It is a spectacular performance. The ensemble creates the world of showbiz and are a fantastic support for the diva with such energic dancing accompanied throughout by a live six- piece orchestra.

Runs until Saturday 14 February 2026, before continuing on tour