Review by Sarah
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
As The Bodyguard begins, we are startled into silence with a loud bang and darkness, and a threatening scene, followed by an energetic performance, likened to being at a concert. We had lighting, music, dancing and pyrotechnics. What a way to begin an evening of music, dancing and surprise.
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| Mireia Mambo as Rachel Marron (Centre). Photo by Paul Coltas |
Our evening’s star performance of Rachel Marron was given by Mireia Mambo; a small but mighty performer whose voice filled the auditorium. Whilst during the quieter songs I was wanting more expression and looser body movements, she really did come into her own for the power ballads. This exaggerated performance was in contrast to her on-stage sister Nicki Marron (Sasha Monique), whose shy performances, although she much wanted to be the star, were more heartfelt. The way Nicki held her jealousy in her eyes over her sister was quite incredible.
The use of videography gives a strong link from this theatre version of the story to the original film. The live filming as The Stalker prepares for his evening out gives a 3D representation of him, creating atmospheric apprehension, the faces of the couple falling in love blown up in projection, and the famous stance of Frank carrying Rachel as he saves her. We are treated to fabulous costumes, particularly during Rachel’s concerts with her large gowns and the energetic ensemble numbers. The wigs could be less wig-like, and did cause me distraction, but the overall wow of the costumes compensated for this.
The band brings this show musically into its own. A group of 6 players, creating an incredible sound that rumbled deep within us. To feel the music so deeply, accompanying strong, well-known, emotional ballads made this musical stand out. We didn’t leave the theatre until the final chord was struck and we had given them their fully deserved applause.
The story is simple yet well known - a famous pop star needs protecting from a mystery stalker by a bodyguard; rejected at first, then falling deeply in love, which brings around complications of merging job and romantic life. Whilst at times this is a heavy story and we watch an upsetting scene, the director brings comedy effect, and we are treated to a karaoke scene. To sing out of tune is quite a feat, and Adam Garcia, playing the bodyguard Frank Farmer, produces.
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| Mireia Mambo as Rachel Marron. Photo by Paul Coltas |
By the end of the evening, we have watched the plot unfold, the story comes to an end, and yet we are left yearning for the missing ingredient to The Bodyguard. And there it is. A concluding power ballad. The one that Whitney Houston gave us 34 years ago. ‘And I Will Always Love You.’ We got it! It is then that we are encouraged on to our feet for a feel good sing and dance along to take us out into the evening.
I personally found this jukebox musical a little disjointed due to the story stopping so we can enjoy a song, rather than the music moving the story along. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the songs and the performance, deep down I was wanting the story to keep moving.
This show is full of glitz, strong singing, glimmer, emotion and a top-notch band, and you’ll leave the theatre with that earworm that you’ll still be singing when you get home.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Bodyguard plays at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall until Saturday 18th July 2026. For tickets visit https://www.trch.co.uk/
The tour continues in the UK until 29th August before playing in Istanbul and Sofia. For tickets and more information visit https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/
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| Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer. Photo by Paul Coltas. |
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