Theatre Review: The Bodyguard at The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2023 Touring Production of The Bodyguard (The Musical) at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

I first saw The Bodyguard at the Alexandra Theatre back in January 2020 – one of the last shows before the great theatre shutdown of 2020. Since theatre’s return, The Bodyguard has been one of those shows that has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. It was at the centre of the “Great Manchester Theatre Riot” of April 2023, which sparked all sorts of debate about whether singing along to musical theatre productions should be permitted. For clarity, I’m firmly in the “No” camp, unless its a joyous finale and we’re explicitly invited to do so. Last night I went along to the Gala Night at the Alexandra Theatre, hoping that the only person I would hear singing those big Whitney numbers would be Emily Williams as Rachel Marron.

Based on the 1992 film (let’s not talk about how this was a ridiculous THIRTY-ONE years ago) of the same name, The Bodyguard tells the story of a superstar singer, whose stratospheric rise to fame has put her and her loved ones at risk from a stalker. Reluctantly, she agrees to the protection of a bodyguard, Frank Farmer (played by Ayden Callaghan) but makes his life as difficult as possible. Eventually though she warms to his presence, and his gentle relationship with her son Fletcher (an adorable Sam Stephens). But as the threat intensifies in the run-up to the Oscars, Frank is caught in a race against time to unmask the dangerous assailant.

From the opening number, lights flare and pyrotechnics threaten to set off all sorts of fire alarms as we watch Rachel do what she does best – play the part of a diva “onstage” as the “Queen Of The Night”. It’s an elaborate and electrifying opening, and sets the scene perfectly.

It takes a powerhouse voice to take on the role of Rachel Marron – after all, you’re essentially playing Whitney Houston by another name. But Emily Williams quickly shows from the off that she has the exceptional vocal talent and versatility that the role demands. One thing I noted last time watching Alexandra Burke as Rachel was that she seemed to hold back at times. Williams leaves absolutely nothing in the locker, belting out the hugest of songs (yes, including THAT one) with pure power and control. And thankfully, the rest of the audience are as spellbound as I am, with a respectful hush bursting into enthusiastic applause at the end of each epic number.

But in the vocal stakes, Emily-Mae as Rachel’s overlooked sister Nicki is only a whisker behind. Her emotional rendition of “Saving All My Love For You” is pitch-perfect. Ayden Callaghan makes a charismatic yet vulnerable Frank Farmer. He certainly has the physical stature and command to believably convey the titular role. Farmer is a stoic character, and a man of few words so there’s not an awful lot for an actor to bring to the role but Callaghan has fun with it where he can – just check out the playful karaoke scene.

With a script that has more cheese than a Christmas buffet in the Brummie Home and Abroad household, the songbook is the true star of the show with the familiar hits coming thick and fast. The stage show contains a lot more songs from Houston’s back catalogue than originally featured on the movie soundtrack, meaning we get to hear big numbers such as “All At Once”, “How Will I Know”, and a jaw-dropping “One Moment in Time”. The Marron sisters’ duet of “Run To You” was another stand-out moment, the two performers voices perfectly blending together.

At times it feels that the story, in particular the relationship between Frank and Rachel, is a little rushed, and the script and storyline make way to shoehorn in as many songs as possible, The slightly cartoonish stalker also detracts from the tension at times; I’m not sure the audience were meant to be roaring with laughter at his appearance at the cabin. But it doesn’t make the show any less enjoyable.

The staging by Tim Hatley is clever, with lighting and sound design (Mark Henderson and Richard Brooker respectively) which truly make you feel as if you’re witnessing a pop concert at times. At other times, we’re drawn into Rachel’s private quarters with lush billowing curtains, or into a perfectly depicted mountain cabin. Technically, it’s a perfect production.

It’s a fun show, with classic tunes and great performances. The curtain call is high-energy – with an opportunity for each cast member to have their moment in the spotlight – and finally the well-behaved audience are encouraged to join in with an enthusiastic final number.

The Bodyguard (The Musical) is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 30th December 2023. Purchase your tickets here.

Production images by Paul Coltas

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.