Why We Will Always Love The Bodyguard
Naomi MacKay watched The Bodyguard at Milton Keynes Theatre, where it runs until Saturday 25 October.
More than 30 years after The Bodyguard first hit the big screen, this stage adaptation proves that the story – and Whitney Houston’s iconic soundtrack – are as timeless as ever.
Even if you’ve never seen the film, you’ll likely know the premise. Global singing superstar Rachel Marron becomes the target of a dangerous stalker, and her team hire former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer to protect her. Sparks fly as Rachel bristles at Frank’s no-nonsense approach, but as the danger mounts, so does their undeniable chemistry.
From the first explosive number, this show is a non-stop whirlwind of powerhouse vocals, glittering costumes, and dazzling choreography. The opening alone is enough to get your heart racing – complete with pyrotechnics, flashing lights, and all the glitz you could wish for. And the energy? It never once dips.
While the vocals are, of course, sensational, it was the choreography by Karen Bruce that truly stole the show for me. At times it felt like we were watching a professionals routine straight out of Strictly Come Dancing – the lifts, the synchronicity, the sheer flair. The ensemble cast are phenomenal, radiating charisma and skill in every step.
The technical production is also first-class – lighting, pyrotechnics, clever stage tricks – something sometimes missing from a touring production, and only seen in the West End versions, so this was a real treat.
Of course, following in Whitney’s footsteps, you’d expect some cracking vocals and they didn’t dispappoint. Rachel Marron (played by Sidonie Smith) brought some really powerful moments to her performances – not least in the finale with I Will Always Love You. And Sasha Monique, who played her sister Nicki had a beautiful, natural warm tone to her voice. In fact I couldn’t help thinking that her voice may have been better suited for the lead role. Talking of vocal performance, Adam Garcia as Frank Fletcher, offered an unexpected version of I Will Always Love You that is truly unforgettable, like none I’ve heard before!
It’s one of a few comic moments that add a lift as the tension escalates as the stalker gets ever-closer to his prey.
Adam played the strait-laced Frank admirably, but for his fans, it was a shame that in a show full of dance and song, his role involves neither. However, all is not lost – at the end of the show there’s a bit of a party for the audience to dance and sing along, and we got to see a few moves from Adam, along with the rest of the dance crew.
Two more mentions – the jump scares with the stalker (James-Lee Harris) are brilliant, the booing audience during the curtain call testament to his performance as the baddie – and the cute-as-a button young actor, who plays Rachel’s son Fletcher. Adorable, confident, and bursting with natural charm. His bond with Adam Garcia feels genuine, and he even gets to show off some impressive dance moves of his own.
Whether you’ve seen the film or not is immaterial, it’s a show that grabs the audience from the start and never lets go. It’s thrilling, emotional, and utterly irresistible – a sparkling night out that will have you singing all the way home.
Book your tickets now at atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes.
Pic credit: Paul Coltas
