Ad disclosure: We were provided with press tickets for the purpose of this post.
The Bodyguard movie, released in 1992, is one of the most iconic romance films ever made. Now, the musical adaptation of the story is embarking on a UK and European tour, beginning right here in Birmingham. James and I went along to the press night yesterday & enjoyed a wonderful evening of theatre.
The Bodyguard musical, which premiered on the West End in 2012, received numerous Olivier award nominations, including Best New Musical, and ultimately won the Whats On Stage award in the same category. It has since played to over 3.9 million people across 15 countries.
Bodyguard tells the story of former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from a mysterious stalker. Rachel and Frank initially clash over everything, with Rachel feeling confined and Frank feeling frustrated. However, they soon realise they are falling in love. While there are a few story differences between the original film and the musical version, these differences make it easier to follow the plot on stage.
The original film is remembered for its amazing soundtrack, and this is where the musical version truly shines too. It feels like one hit song after another, featuring some of the biggest hits of the 90s, including Queen of the Night, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I’m Every Woman, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love of All, and Run to You. Of course, it also includes the iconic I Will Always Love You.
The stellar cast includes Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Sasha Monique as her sister Nicki. Both are absolutely amazing on stage, with two powerhouse voices that do justice to the incredible soundtrack. Sidonie makes the role her own, performing her own version of the character rather than trying to be Whitney – and doing it so well.
James-Lee Harris makes for a superbly sinister bad guy, whose simple presence on stage gives you the chills, and our Fletcher of the night was totally adorable and stole the stage as he pulled off some pretty slick moves!
Of course, you can’t have The Bodyguard without the titular role of the bodyguard himself, and Olivier-nominated Adam Garcia delivers a beautifully nuanced performance. Initially stoic and strict, he gradually softens towards the frightened pop star he’s protecting, revealing his character’s internal conflict and worry throughout the show. Adam only sings one number, and it is impressive how such a talented man can convincingly sing & dance so badly. He definitely had some die-hard fans in the audience – his naked shoulders got their own applause!
This fantastic cast was supported on stage by one of the most impressive ensemble casts I’ve ever seen, with some incredibly talented dancers & singers who brought some of the biggest pop numbers to life on stage with so much energy.
The sound, lighting, and set design all came together to create an amazing experience. We were transported from a pop star on stage to a rehearsal room, quiet moments in her mansion, various clubs and stages, and even a detailed ‘cabin in the woods’. Some scenes were particularly atmospheric, managing to evoke suspense or heartbreak one minute and then it would transition into a full-on pop star high-energy performance a few minutes later.
There were a few jump-scares throughout the show with the odd truly scary moment that had the audience on the edges of our seats. The use of lighting and creepy projections turned her stalker into a real bogeyman with commanding stage presence.
The story has been updated with modernisations that bring it out of the 90s. Instagram and email are involved, along with the dangers of social media and viral videos leaking personal details.
The show is fast-paced and doesn’t lag at all throughout the two acts. Smooth scene changes and incredibly quick costume changes take Rachel from a cosy moment at home to a pop star performing on a club stage. Amazing choreography brings many of the numbers to life, showcasing the talents of the ensemble.
Overall, it’s an absolutely spectacular show with some of the greatest hits of the 90s, performed beautifully by the talented cast. This show has it all, from spine-tingling ballads to big stage-level pop performances. The story seamlessly weaves in and around the songs, ensuring none feel out of place, unlike some jukebox musicals.
The Bodyguard musical is an absolute triumph – a perfect mix of suspense, romance, and high-energy performances that had the whole audience hooked from start to finish. With breathtaking vocals, slick choreography, and a story that feels fresh while staying true to the heart of the original, it’s a production that celebrates everything we love about live theatre. Whether you loved the original film or you’re discovering the story for the first time, if you love a night of outstanding music & drama, this show is well worth seeing.
The Bodyguard is at the Alexandra, Birmingham, until Saturday 27th September, before continuing on the UK & European tour throughout 2025 & 2026.
Tickets are available from the ATG tickets website, starting at just £30. The show has a running time of 2 hours 10 minutes including the interval, and is suitable for ages 10 years+.
