The Bodyguard is a 2012 musical, based on the hit 1992 film, which featured the music of and starred the late Whitney Houston. The story focuses on singer Rachel Marron who, through her celebrity status, attracts a stalker. Fearing for her safety, her management employ a bodyguard to protect her. What no one bargained for was the connection that would blossom from this action. 

The production was first publicised in February 2012, days after the sudden death of star Whitney Houston. Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian announced that they would be adapting the film and using the songs within it, as well as others from Whitney’s back catalogue. It was also announced that the rights had been secured for the Dolly Parton classic ‘I Will Always Love You, which had been covered by Houston as the lead song of the film. Following a workshop of the material over six days, the musical was scheduled to open at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End in November of the same year. Changes made to the adaptation included centralising the story more onto Marron than the bodyguard, moving it to the present day and expanding the role of Rachel’s sister, Nicki. 

TONY award winner Heather Headley was secured as Rachel Marron, marking her West End debut, joined by Lloyd Owen as Frank Farmer (The Bodyguard), and Debbie Kurup as Nicki. Previews started from 6 November 2012, opening on 5 December. The show opened to largely positive reviews, citing that the show expanded and elevated the film. The production was directed by Thea Sharrock, choreographed by Arthur Pita, set and costumes were by Tim Hatley, sound by Richard Brooker, lighting by Mark Henderson, video projection by Duncan McLean, and musical arrangements, orchestration and underscore by Chris Egan. The show initially posted booking until April 2013, however, due to popular demand, the show didn’t close until 29 August 2014, as the Adelphi was already under contract with Made in Dagenham. The production was nominated for four 2013 Olivier awards. 

A year later in 2015, the show began its first UK tour. Alexandra Burke, who had played the role in the West End production, assumed the role of Rachel Marron, accompanied by Stuart Reid as Frank Farmer and Melissa James as Nicki Marron. Following its UK tour, this production made its way back to the West End, playing a limited engagement at the Dominion Theatre, with Burke being joined by Ben Richards as Frank and Rachel John as Nicki. The production played from 15 July 2016 – 7 January 2017. This cast also transferred to Toronto a month later to play a limited engagement at The Ed Mirvish Theatre til April 2017. The US tour launched in 2017, starring Deborah Cox as Rachel, with Judson Mills as Frank and Jasmin Richardson as Niki. The musical also toured the UK again in 2018, again starring Burke as Marron, Benoit Marechal as Frank Farmer and Micha Richardson as Nicki. 

The musical had a two-year run in Utrecht, The Netherlands in its first non-replica incarnation. The show also ran for two years in Cologne before transferring to Stuttgart. The Madrid production opened in 2017, using the sets and costumes from the Utrecht run. The show has also enjoyed tours and sit-down productions in Australia, China, Seoul, Vienna and Poland.   

If you haven’t listened to this absolute belter of a cast recording yet, why not Besties?

Available on streaming services. 

FACTS:

Music: Various
Lyrics: Various
Book: Alexander Dinelaris 

Theatre: The Adelphi Theatre
Run: 6 November 2012 – 29 August 2014 (Around 32 previews and 700 performances) 

OLIVIERS:

(NOMINATED) Best New Musical, Best Actress in a Musical – Heather Headley, Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Debbie Kurup, Best Set Design – Tim Hatley