Show: The Bodyguard
Format: Romantic Thriller
Genre: Musical
Date: February 27 2019
Location: Empire Theatre, Liverpool
This is the second time I have seen The Bodyguard at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre. But after an impressive experience last time, I wanted to take my daughter to share the same and enjoy the show as I had.
The Bodyguard
Description Of The Bodyguard
The production follows the original screenplay of the 1992 film fairly closely with a couple of exceptions, along with the addition of more up-to-date Whitney Houston numbers such as Million Dollar Bill that younger fans would be familiar with. The memorable story of Rachel Marron’s stalker and would-be assassination has a talented and capable cast, with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke playing Rachel. Alexandra has played this role for a good couple of years now (interspersed with a stint in Chicago), and you could see she feels comfortable in the role, and manages the trademark Whitney power ballads and more gentle lower register numbers with ease.
Along with excellent acting, there is sustained energy throughout the performance, and the Liverpool crowd responded enthusiastically which always adds to the atmosphere. Rachel is a successful singer, looking for her third Academy Award at the Oscars. She has a supporting team, including her sister Nicky (Micha Richardson). Unfortunately, Nicky suffers from jealousy regarding Rachel’s success. She too wishes to become a professional singer but was overshadowed by Rachel’s talent and is delegated to singing at a karaoke bar. This is impounded by the appearance of Frank Farmer (a very charismatic Benoit Marechal) who is employed as Rachel’s bodyguard, to whom Nicky has taken a shine. But unfortunately, he only has eyes for Rachel.
Analysis Of The Bodyguard
Micha performs really well as the downtrodden sibling with crystal clear vocals. And she joins Rachel’s son Fletcher (various young stars play this role throughout the tour). Furthermore, his singing and dancing proved very popular with the audience. Additionally, Phil Atkinson plays the stalker. I should note that he received an inappropriate cheer during a moment of suspense for his abs!
The choreography by Karen Bruce is really West End quality, with a believable set and excellent lighting which really adds to the moments of suspense and menace throughout the show. Alexandra shows off some of her Strictly credentials throughout with superb dance moves, before taking things down a notch for a moving version of I Will Always Love You which had the audience on their feet to applaud.
Other Thoughts
The orchestra was brilliant and the costume changes are amazing. Alexandra Burke changes from a casual outfit to full-on sequin glory before our eyes on stage. And the finale is fabulous. I’m Every Woman gets the crowd on their feet, hands in their air, clapping to the end.
Summary Of The Bodyguard
This show certainly didn’t disappoint my daughter! We would definitely recommend The Bodyguard for an electrifying night out, particularly for Whitney Houston fans.
