Review: THE BODYGUARD, New Wimbledon Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
The Bodyguard is back on tour across the UK and has arrived the New Wimbledon Theatre, opening to a full house on Monday evening.
Based on the movie of the same title, this musical encompasses the very best of Whitney Houston's songbook, alongside a cleverly written storyline which revolves around Rachel Marron, a music superstar, who falls in love with former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer.
The show features a whole collection of timeless classics including ‘Queen of the Night’, ‘One Moment in Time’, ‘Saving All My Love’, ‘Run to You’, ‘I Have Nothing’, ‘Greatest Love Of All’, ‘Million Dollar Bill’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and a spectacular final rendition and performance of ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Pussycat Doll's very own Melody Thornton takes on this role after Beverly Knight and Alexandra Burke who originated the role. Melody brings a splash of star quality to the stage and performs with passion, emotion and power, certainly proving her talent to carry off this role. She adds plenty of decoration on the well-known hits (which sometimes can be too much and less would be more!) but she makes it her own. Her sister Nicki is played by another beautiful vocalist Emily-Mae, who certainly got the best applause of the evening.
Ayden Callaghan ticks all of the boxes as her Bodyguard, Frank Farmer. Reneo Kusi-Appauh as Rachel’s son Fletcher deserves a mention for bringing the cute factor to the show, while the psychopathic stalker Mario Nicolaides proves creepy enough to keep us on edge all evening.
Although there were some opening night glitches with some slightly laboured set changes, it didn't take away the audience’s enjoyment. Along with superb sound and perfectly-time lighting cues, this show is credit to the design and production team, as well as those who work behind the scenes.
It started with a gunshot (which would give Blood Brothers a run for it's money!) and finished with the most well-deserved standing ovation - an absolute hit of a show which is not to be missed.
Sensational!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop
The Bodyguard plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until 11 March before continuing its tour. Tickets for select touring venues can be purchased here.