Sheffield Lyceum – until 14 October 2023
Reviewed by Charlotte Davis-Browne
4****
The Bodyguard is a big bold musical adaptation based on the 1992 movie of the same name. Packed with hit after hit of the late Whitney Houston’s successful chart topping songs, it’s a musical that has a bit of everything – from gun shots to fire to romance, loss, ultra slick choreography that has you dancing in your seat to a grand finale which gives the chance for the audience to dance and sing along with the cast.
Having seen various productions and casts previously – from my first visit to the Adelphi (London) in 2013 starring Beverly Knight as Rachel Marron and Tristan Gemmill in the title role (aka Frank Farmer) followed by Alexandra Burke’s takeover in 2014 with Gemmill staying on in his role at the Adelphi and later on in 2015 and 2016 seeing the tour six or seven times (at least!) with Burke reprising her role as Rachel and Stuart Reid taking over as Frank Farmer and being fortunate enough to also catch Zoe Birkett in a matinee performance (absolutely worth the wait to see!) and again seeing Burke several times during the 2018-2019 tour alongside Benoît Marcéchal as Farmer; it’s difficult to not have a soft spot for my two leading favourites in the two main roles, however I always go with a clean slate and open mind policy and imagining I’m seeing the show for the first time. However it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it know what’s coming – I ALWAYS jump out of my skin at the very start of the show (no spoilers here – just be warned if you’ve got a nervous disposition!)
I was over the moon to find out it would be touring again in 2023 and that Zoe Birkett would be reprising her role – but sadly this was only through the Summer with New Zealand born Australian singer songwriter and former Australian Idol runner up Emily Williams taking over the role from September. This however was a big selling point for me – someone who I’d previously never heard of before and therefore I had no prior views in my head on what she’s like as a singer and performer. I admit after the first couple of songs I wasn’t blown away by her either vocally or as an actress but tried to remain neutral and open minded to the end of the show. Whilst I did warm up to her and she hit all the right notes, I was still left slightly underwhelmed – I’m not sure if this is because I’ve got a firm favourite in this role previously (and no, it’s actually NOT Birkett) or if others had the same thoughts as me. After speaking with others at the interval, I found it was the latter and most people were saying the same thing. Don’t get me wrong – William’s has got a decent voice – she just doesn’t have the “X Factor” for me personally (maybe that’s where she went wrong – going on the wrong talent show – pun intended!)
On the other hand let’s talk about the OTHER Emily – Emily-Mae Walker – who’s playing Rachel’s sister Nicki. Oh my Mae – WHAT. A. VOICE!!!! I’d have paid triple or quadruple to see Emily-Mae as Rachel. Such a hauntingly sensational voice. Clearly others thought the same as whenever Mae was singing the was utter silence – you could hear a pin drop – and her voice demands attention but in such a magical way – it’s one of those moments where the hairs on your body all stand to attention and you get goosebumps that make you shiver. It’s a sweet syrupy voice yet powerful when it needs to be. I am keeping all my limbs crossed that we will soon get to have Mae in the lead role – I for one will certainly be buying multiple tickets if that was to happen.
Now let’s talk Frank – Farmer that is! Again I’ve a firm favourite actor from previous productions in this role but again tried to keep a neutral mind. I have come to the conclusion that Frank is obviously MEANT to be a somewhat wooden and monotonous character who softens over time as he gains Rachel’s trust and respect (let’s face it, she’s not overly keen on the idea of having 24/7 protection at first but as her stalker ups his game, she soon changes her tune and accepts Franks rules and regulations). Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale and Hollyoaks) is currently starring as Frank Farmer and again this was an actor I’d previously not seen in anything (I don’t do Soaps!) so it was someone fresh and new to me. I warmed to his portrayal as Frank instantly and found him not only pleasing on the eye but an utter joy to watch. His rendition of “I Will Always Love You” was a highlight of the show for me and I found myself on the edge of my seat when that stand off with the Stalker was coming up.
Speaking of the Stalker – each production I’ve seen of this musical I’ve always found myself drawn to the Stalker – Marios Nicolaides definitely did not disappoint in this production. Whilst yes at first Marios really does put the fear of a creepy dangerous stalker in you and gives a real sense of danger and threat, the more you watch him the more you warm to him – or maybe that’s just me?!
What makes this musical so magical that I keep going back for more, is not only the killer soundtrack that is high energy and makes you leave the theatre on a real high, but the punchy and uber slick choreography and a stellar of an ensemble.
Hard to believe it’s been eleven years since Whitney Houston’s tragic passing. She may be gone but her music lives on, and I’m so grateful that this stage adaptation exists as it will continue to ensure her music lives on for future generations. Even if people don’t remember her name they will certainly remember her music.
Obviously there’s some changes to the set with this being a touring production but having seen previous touring productions some have mirrored the Adelphi set whilst others, like this current production at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, have been altered to suit the stage layout etc. One major change I noticed and missed is Frank’s family’s log cabin – gone is the 3D rotating cabin and in its place a flat backdrop. It still works and obviously makes it easier for a touring production but this was just one of many changes I’d noted from previous productions. There’s still the big finish with “I Will Always Love You” however this again is tweaked slightly to work with different theatres stages. However the show still feels as fresh as it did many moons ago at The Adelphi and still blows me away just as much as it did the first time round.
One final mention – this time to Ryo Appadu – one of the few young actors sharing the role of Fletcher – Rachel’s young son – who is making his professional debut in this production. Whilst he’s playing the only child character in the show and performing alongside established performers yet gave such an outstanding performance anyone would think he’d been doing this since he was old enough to walk and talk. Not only can Ryo sing but he’s an outstanding dancer and convincing actor – definitely a triple threat to watch out for in a few years time!
Playing at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 14th October before continuing its tour across the U.K, The Bodyguard is an uplifting night out and the perfect way to shake off the Autumn Blues and warm even the coldest of hearts on these chillier evenings. Sheffield Theatres earlier today posted on social media to say that a number of stalls tickets had opened up for the remaining dates but it’s a case of fastest finger first as these WILL sell out fast. This musical pretty much sells itself based on the many iconic hits of Whitney Houston, so if you want to be part of the action you’ll need to be fast to grab the hottest ticket in the city right now.