The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 17th June 2023
Reviewed by Katie Brewerton
4****
The smash hit musical The Bodyguard has come to Leeds! Having not seen the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, I didn’t know anything about the story before going into this but, from the extravagant opening number to the finale I was hooked.
When Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan) somewhat reluctantly becomes the bodyguard of superstar Rachel Marron (played by Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton) they quickly find themselves clashing. But as Rachel realises the seriousness of the threat posed by her stalker (Marios Nicolaides) she quickly becomes reliant on Frank to keep herself and her son Fletcher safe and their relationship blossoms with the chemistry between them clear.
The clever use of curtains throughout helped to separate and split the stage in to two halves to help the cast move effortlessly from scene to scene. And the use of projections on a big screen at the back of the stage during particularly sinister scene’s involving the stalker was a unique addition to the show.
With only a limited number of the cast singing throughout, mainly Rachel, Fletcher, Rachel’s sister Nicki and the ensemble a special mention should go to Emily-Mae who played Nicki Marron, h whose vocal performance was superb.
With an array of fantastic music including a host of Whitney Houston’s best known songs including Queen of the Night, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, One Moment in Time and of course I Will Always Love You I you’re sure to have a blast at this show. Full of love and heartbreak this is a show not to be missed.