The Bodyguard - Milton Keynes Theatre

The award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard returns to Milton Keynes Theatre this week.

The Bodyguard tells the story of Rachel Marron who is an award-winning singer, whose people take on a new bodyguard, Former Secret Service agent, Frank.  Rachel doesn’t like the changes to her routine that Frank insists on and she rebels against them, not realising she is putting herself in danger.  Her son, Fletcher likes Frank and she watches their friendship grow and that warms him to her a little. Meanwhile, the stalker gets closer and closer to Rachel, eventually getting inside her house.

The Bodyguard - The Musical features a host of irresistible songs from the iconic queen of the ballad, Whitney Houston. Whitney fans will not be disappointed with the amount of fabulous songs including The Greatest Love Of All, One Moment In Time, Saving All My Love For You, How Will I Know, I Have Nothing, I’m Every Woman and my favourite,  Queen Of The Night. The Finale is I Wanna Dance With Somebody and everyone is on their feet.  And of course, the shining star that is I Will Always Love You is the one we are all waiting for.  Did I say iconic?  That’s not a big enough word!

The opening scene made me jump, so just be warned.  Then we are suddenly transformed into a real concert watching Rachel perform.  Wow – it has fire and lights and glittery outfits that Beyonce would covert.  Sidonie Smith plays Rachel and not only does she have a great vocal range, but her acting is also off the scale.  When we first meet Rachel at home, she is not very warm and inviting to Frank.  We get to know the real her the same way Frank does and this is brilliantly done.  It’s lovely to see Sidonie smile when Frank takes her out.  A real smile instead of a performer smile.  Frank, the bodyguard was played by Adam Garcia.  It feels like a big step away from Saturday Night Fever but Adam is perfect for this role, giving Frank a geeky side alongside his distant and offish manner.  He was totally believable but he also showed Frank’s vulnerable side.  Superb acting.

Rachel’s sister, Nicki, can also sing but instead works for her sister as there isn’t enough room for two divas in the family.  Nicki is played by Sasha Monique and is a very accomplished performer, giving a outstanding rendition of Saving All My Love.

This show uses projection and graphics well. I loved the use of some images of Frank and Rachel during I Will Always Love You for Sidonie to do a quick change and emerge in a stunning dress on a platform.  It’s a breathtaking moment.

The Bodyguard is best known in film format starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston.  In 1992, it became the second highest grossing film worldwide and the soundtrack sold more than 45 million copies.

This show offers everything; drama, music, a story with heart and amazing effects. And we get to see Rachel perform like we are at a stadium concert. What more can you ask for in a show?!

The Bodyguard is on at Milton Keynes Theatre until 25 October