The Bodyguard - The Musical

It is thirty years since Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner starred together in the much maligned, but hugely successful, film version of  'The Bodyguard'. The stage musical that it inspired first opened in London in November 2012, just nine months after Whitney's tragic and untimely death.
 
Now, after a string of successful tours across the world, 'The Bodyguard' is back in the UK, and has arrived at Norwich Theatre Royal, with former 'Pop Idol' finalist Zoe Birkett and 'Hollyoaks' star  Ayden Callaghan recreating the roles of singer Rachel Marron and her bodyguard Frank Farmer. And what a dynamic partnership it is.
 
I still own a copy of Zoe's debut single, 'Treat Me Like A Lady', and obviously recall Ayden from the television soaps, but was not prepared for the powerful and charismatic performances that each would bring to this stage production. Birkett is magnificent, delivering a five-star, solid-gold, portrayal of superstar singer Rachel Marron, whilst Ayden's tough and authorative exterior is balanced by a heartwarming sensitivity as he strives to provide protection from the threat of a sinister stalker.
 
Over the course of the two acts we are treated to versions of all six of the Whitney songs that appeared in the original film, bolstered by another half dozen or so of her biggest and best-loved hits. From the opening bars of 'Queen of The Night', with accompanying pyrotechnic flares generating a heat so intense that it could be felt from the seats in the circle, we knew that this show was going to be hot,hot,hot. And so it proved. Tim Hatley's set and costume designs provide a continuing feast of primary colours alternating with subdued and gentle shades for the more sensitive scenes. Thea Sharrock's direction and Karen Bruce's choreography bring out the very best from this talented cast, but it is Zoe Birkett that steals the show, and is the real star of the evening. Emily-Mae provides a neatly balanced portayal of Rachel Marron's sister, Nicki, and her renditions of 'Saving All My Love For You' and 'All At Once' are genuine hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck stuff, as is her duet with Rachel in 'Run To You'. And Ayden Callaghan entertains us with his semi-comedic nightclub karaoke version of 'I Will Always Love You'.
 
For this production of 'The Bodyguard', perhaps in response to recent press stories of audiences spoiling other 'jukebox musicals' with their own karaoke-style singalongs, we are respectfully requested not to join in during the main show. Instead, we are encouraged to vent our lungs during a rousing finale of 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody', joining in with the entire company, led by Zoe Birkett. It provided us with a chance to raise the roof of the Theatre Royal whilst showing our appreciation with a wholly deserved standing, singing, and dancing, ovation.
 
'The Bodyguard' is one of the most joyous musical experiences to have visited Norwich Theatre Royal in many a year. 100% recommended.