Theatre Royal, Nottingham – until Saturday 8 July 2023
Reviewed by Amy Coulson
5*****
BANG!
The gunshot startles the audience into their seats.
The stage version of the iconic early 1990s romantic thriller starring Whitney Houston is here, and it entertains from start to finish.
Never have I seen pyrotechnics in the Theatre Royal! What an awesome way to kick off this much-loved blockbuster. Literal gasps from the audience echo as the opening number throws us right into the chaos of Grammy award winning songwriter and pop star, Rachel Marron’s (played by Melody Thornton) life.
It’s worth mentioning here that as soon as it started, we felt like we’d got the wrong show! Magic Mike came to mind! These dancers were so very talented, that sometimes I forgot to watch the star!
Marron, strong willed and independent, finds her security strengthened after a stalker manages to get backstage at one of her shows, steals a costume of hers, and leaves a life-threatening letter. Her Manager, Publicist and team decide not to tell Rachel, instead leaving her to her sassy independent ways. It makes for some great tension building moments between Rachel and the new guy, Frank Farmer (played by Ayden Callaghan).
From start to finish, there’s great use of the stage. From unexpected use of projections (which were just a little cheesy) to fabulous sets which range from Academy Award shows, nightclubs, Rachel’s mansion, a recording studio, a cabin in the woods…each scene was beautifully dressed. There were plenty of unexpected thrills. This reviewer nearly dropped her ice cream a couple of times!
There are some fantastically fierce voices in The Bodyguard. We all instantly think of Whitney when we hear the title, so there were some big boots to fill. Multi- platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton is probably best known for being a Pussycat Doll. Here, she effortlessly leaves the audience spellbound with emotionally driven ballads that pull you in. Emily Mae as Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron needs a special shout out, for matching the talent of Thornton. Her voice is something special.
I will say, my guest turned to me at the interval and asked, “was Kevin Costner this wooden” and the answer was yes! I know what she meant! The acting did feel a little stiff in comparison to the quality of everything else, but it felt right. Film in the early 90s was all about cheese and awkwardness, wasn’t it?
Every song is a hit. I hadn’t realised how great an album this had been! I’m Every Woman, Saving All My Love For You, Run To You, I Have Nothing, and of course, the song that it felt like everyone had been waiting for, I Will Always Love You. Perfection.
AT closing, the audience is invited to sing along and get on their feet, and we were up, singing badly like no one was watching! It felt like a great way to end the day. Everyone was buzzing as they left the theatre.
A talented cast, incredible singing, world class dancers, sets that transport you to another place…with the quality, it felt like we were in London. If you want a show that leaves an impression and has you humming Whitney’s discography, then this is the show for you!