I headed to
the Edinburgh Playhouse on Wednesday evening not sure what to expect from The
Bodyguard: The Musical. The premise of the show is a star singer, Rachel
Marron, who is threatened by a fan who is infatuated by her. Enter Frank
Farmer, a bodyguard with a past hired to protect her. Not the kind of thing to
be taken lightly. However, there are comedic and touching moments in a show
that turned out to be hugely enjoyable.
Produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian, The Bodyguard is based
on the 1992 Oscar nominated film which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin
Costner.
Former X
Factor winner Alexandra Burke plays the part of Rachel in the evening
performances (Jennlee Shallow plays this part in the matinee shows). Burke
certainly has a singing voice and has done well to cultivate an American
accent. Her rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ was particularly impressive
and an array of instantly recognisable songs such as Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving
All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody ensure the show hits the heights.
Benoît Maréchal plays the bodyguard Frank Farmer and he and Burke
seem the perfect pairing. The story of the show is the relationship between the
pair. Each expects to be in charge but what they don’t expect is to fall in
love. The show concentrates in Marron’s relationship with Farmer but also
touches on Marron’s family’s reaction to their flowering relationship. Catching
some considerable attention are Micha Richardson as Nicki Marron - who,
herself, falls in love with Farmer - and Archie Smith who is one of six
youngsters playing the part of Marron’s young son Fletcher.
The ingenious use of sets allows the stage to transform in every scene
although the use of lights in the more upbeat numbers does tend to dazzle
rather too brightly. However, the sets
and impressive dance numbers ensures The Bodyguard is a spectacular show. It
will make you laugh; it will make you cry but, at the end of the night, you
feel thoroughly entertained.
The Bodyguard is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 9th
to 20th July 2019.
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