The Bodyguard Musical UK Tour - Review
The Bodyguard - Musical Review at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent
For those of you who haven’t seen the film, The Bodyguard is a romantic thriller about a musical superstar, Rachel Marron, who’s management decides she needs a bodyguard in order to protect her from a stalker, who is posing some very serious threats, so Frank Farmer, a former secret service agent, is hired on her behalf, which to start with Rachel is not happy at all about it, but Frank wins her around by proving that he will stop at nothing to protect his client … Even more so when the two unexpectedly fall in love.
Featuring some incredible songs, previously sang by the legendary Whitney Houston, this musical fits so well with powerful tunes such as; One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing, Queen of the Night, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, So Emotional, Run to You, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, Saving All My Love and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You. Melody Thornton (former Pussycat Dolls) who plays Rachel and Emily-Mae, playing Rachel’s sister, Nicki were both absolutely outstanding with their incredible renditions.
Obviously, the show is based on the fictitious film and book, but you can’t help but be transported back to the 80’s when Whitney was the biggest star, being reminded of her powerful and fun music and the phenomenal icon she was. Whitney Houston became a global superstar and rightly so, her voice was probably the most powerful there had ever been and I don’t think there has been anyone like her since. The Bodyguard totally reminds you of this and no, this is not the Whitney story, but you really cannot help but compare the two, after all, not only did Whitney Houston star as Rachel in the original film, but she sang the songs of the soundtrack and I think that is fine, I think this is what brings the audience to the theatres and although it would be difficult for anyone to show the exact talent Whitney had, both Melody Thornton and Emily-Rae brought the music to life with their spectacular vocal performances.
“The Bodyguard, the musical - Where Pussycat Dolls’ Melody Thornton really does become Queen of the night”
I have to also mention 10 year-old Frankie Keita who played Rachel’s son, Fletcher. I mean wow, this young lad was brilliant, he had many lines to learn, singing and dancing, this kid is a star of the future for sure! For a moment, sadly, there was a slight disturbance in the audience and Frankie’s professionalism was something to be very proud of indeed.
Would we recommend The Bodyguard the musical? - Hell yeah! If you enjoy theatre and you love a bit of Whitney, then you must go see this, there is no feeling in the world like going to see a show and to include live music that was a big part of your life is something quite special. This show makes you want to go out after and dance the night away!
The Bodyguard, The Musical is touring the UK now and is currently on at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, between Mon 27th March - Saturday 1st April 2023. To find out more information, or to book your tickets, please go to The Orchard Theatre’s website by clicking here!
The Bodyguard, The Musical
Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan
Director: Thea Sharrock
Choreographer: Karen Bruce
Director and Choreographer: Frank Thompson
Musical Supervisor: Richard Beadle
Cast: Melody Thornton, as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan, as Frank Farmer. Emily-Rae, Frankie Keita, John Macaulay, Graham Elwell, Marios Nicolaides, James Groom, Fergal Coghan.