The Bodyguard started with a BANG! Literally. After the shock there was just nervous laughter as everyone realised they were okay. Then a raunchy Rachel Marron exploded on the stage with a thousand lights telling us that she is the Queen of the Night, but while she is singing a sick stalker creeps into her dressing room, leaves a chilling note and steals a dress, writes Michael Holland.
The whole premise of the show instantly opens up as a new security guy is recruited to take charge of the weak team that Rachel has around her and introduces us to Frank Farmer a no-nonsense man who has to be tempted out of retirement (with a big pay cheque) to take on the role.
Obviously, Frank (Ayden Callaghan) clashes with Tony(Graham Elwell) the former head honcho when he breaches his non-security and orders him to get a new alarm system. Awkward.
Rachel(Melody Thornton) also has to take orders from Frank but as a multi-award-winning world famous singer this is something she is going to rebel against. She sulks when her regular Sunday brunch date with the girls is moved to Tuesday, and to defy Frank she agrees to doing a show at a venue that he says is unsafe. Needless to say this does not end well but Rachel soon realises that she is in love with her bodyguard when he picks her up and rushes her off the stage to safety when the stalker gets up close and dangerous. Falling in love happens so quickly in musical theatre.
All’s well that ends well? No chance, because Rachel’s sister, who has lived in her shadow all her life, also has feelings for Mr Farmer. Uh-oh! Plus, of course, the bad guy is still out to get Rachel… Beware the killer in the audience. And so the story continues to its tear-jerking I Will Always Love You finale.
Almost everything about The Bodyguard is good. The sets – that travel with the touring cast – are as good as those in long West End runs; the choreography is up there with the best you’ll see this year, and the performances are faultless(except, maybe, Mr Callaghan delivering all his lines like a dour doorman – even when he is flirting!). Lighten up, Frank.
With a Pussycat Doll and a legend from Emmerdale and Hollyoaks leading the way, you know tickets will be going fast, as the full house I witnessed will confirm.
Do not, though, go to see a Whitney tribute act, this is two women putting their own mark on her songs, and very well they do it too. Do, however, go to see the boys’ six-packs; go for the dancing girls; go for the fantastic collection of songs; go for a great night out.
Churchill Theatre, Bromley High Street, BR1 1HA until May 20th. Times: 7.30pm; Thur & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Admission: £35 – £60.
Booking: 0343 310 0020 – www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
Tour dates: https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/#tour-dates
