Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 8th June 2019.
Reviewed by Leanne Caplis
5*****
Based on the award-winning film The Bodyguard returns once again to the Mayflower in Southampton with the stage production where it runs until the 8th June.
Alexander Burke, who plays the spoilt singer Rachel Marron, entered the music scene with her number one single Hallelujah and from then has gone on become a chart-topping sensation. She is no stranger to the stage having previously performed as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act and played Rachel Marron in the West End Production of The Bodyguard.
Rachel Marron is a pop diva who is being stalked (Phil Atkinson). A bodyguard, Frank Farmer, (Benoît Marechal) is hired by her management team and from Rachel’s initial reluctance a strong bond soon forms between them, her sister (Micha Richardson) and her son Fletcher.
The production is packed full of some of the best-selling and well-known songs of all times including I will Always Love You, Run to You and Queen of the Night. The excellent stage and lighting make it feel like you are at one of Burke’s own concerts when she belts out her numbers; her voice is out of this world.
The show opening certainly grabs the attention of the audience and from the very first moment it is hard to take your eyes away from the stage. The use of slow-motion scenes to emphasise danger works well and the cast act these areas out well. The Stalker certainly leaves some members of the audience weak at the knees and you don’t miss the gasps and giggles as he appears, bare chested, on stage.
Not unsurprisingly the star of the show is Alexander Burke. A pin drop can be heard in the audience when she performas and she really is the Queen of the Night. However, a special mention needs to go to Micha Richardson who plays the part of Rachel’s sister Nicki. Her voice is stunning, and her solo pieces are pitch perfect.
It is hard to find anything wrong with this show. If I had to I would say some of the American accents are questionable and some of the comedy moments make it a bit panto-like. However, these very small negatives do not detract from a first-class production.
After the emotional last song, I Will Always Love You, which moved me to tears there is an up-beat curtain call of I Wanna Dance with Somebody. The audience who were already on their feet from the standing ovation got to dance and sing along as the whole cast performed this song.
A world class show with a world class singer. You will experience every emotion during this production and it really should not be missed. If I could give this production more stars I would – I urge you to book before it is too late.