Before it became a theatre show, The Bodyguard was already one of those films people seemed to know, even if they had only caught bits of it on TV.
Released in 1992, it gave Whitney Houston her major film debut opposite Kevin Costner. Houston played Rachel Marron, a huge music star whose life is suddenly under threat, while Costner played Frank Farmer, the former Secret Service agent brought in to protect her. It had the romance, the danger and the full Hollywood scale, but let’s be honest, most people remember the voice first.
The story is fairly simple, but that is probably why it still works. Rachel is famous, surrounded by people, and yet suddenly unsafe in her own world. Frank comes in with rules, distance and a very different way of doing things. They clash almost immediately, but as the danger gets closer, the relationship starts to change. What begins as protection slowly becomes something much harder to keep at arm’s length.
Then there is the soundtrack. You cannot really separate The Bodyguard from I Will Always Love You. It is one of those songs everybody knows, whether they grew up with the film or just heard it through radios, family parties, talent shows and all the rest of it. Add in I Have Nothing, Run to You and I’m Every Woman, and you start to see why the film never really disappeared. It was not only the plot. It was Whitney Houston making it feel bigger than it probably had any right to be.
That is what gives the stage version its pull now. The Bodyguard The Musical takes a film people already know, and songs they definitely know, and puts them back in front of an audience. No retakes. No cinema close-ups doing half the work. Those vocals have to land live, and the tension has to travel right across the theatre.
Now touring the UK, the production brings that mix of thriller, love story and massive pop moments back to the stage. For anyone who grew up with the film, wore out the soundtrack, or just knows the songs from hearing them everywhere, this is where The Bodyguard gets to feel close again. Not tucked away as a 90s film memory, but happening there in the room.
The play was enjoyable from start to finish, opening with a gunshot behind a curtain then being dropped into a pop performance, the show starts off with impact!
Staging was brilliantly done, for the set to changing so many locations in the story it seemed to flow very easily and transitioned without hesitation. The use of a projection screen to portray the stalker of the story was an effective method, providing a dark edge to his planning and obsession. This later translates to physical form on stage.
Sidonie Smith as the famous Rachel Marron produced some amazing vocals bringing her own voice to this role which is no mean feat considering who she has taken the role on from. Providing a diva pop star attitude she made this role her own, which is key it’s not about direct imitation of Whitney Houston but just bringing yourself to it. Smith amazed with I Will Always love you.
Adam Garcia brought a gentle and caring Frank Farmer to the stage. Always worried that he won’t be there when it matters. I found him to be likeable and direct. His karaoke rendition of I will always love you has to be heard!
Sahsa Monique playing Sister Nicki Marron showed her fine voice when able and truly shone. Monique played the sister in the shadows well.
James-Lee Harris, our stalker was a quiet force. His portrayal was more physical than vocal but was able to give us the audience that sense of danger. I also liked the positioning of him amongst the final scenes which was better than just being placed on stage.
Of course the hits are there – this is Whitney Houston after all. All the man I need, How will I know, I’m every woman, I wanna dance with somebody, one moment in time and many more!
The Bodyguard is a story we can all get behind. You may love a love story or just be a fan of the music. You don’t have to have seen the film to enjoy this. A lovely night at the theatre and I did enjoy it throughout and a musical filled with hits. It’s not a singalong but you’ll find yourself singing along in your head ! The
If I had any critique it would be that I didn’t quite feel drawn to anyone in particular, usually I think wow and while the vocals across the principal cast are great, I was just missing a connection. Maybe it’s just me, as it seems everyone else felt it! The cast were greeted by a standing ovation at the end of the show followed by a medley of song and dance!
THE BODYGUARD will hit Sunderland Empire’s stage from Monday 27 April – Saturday 2 May 2026. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland *
* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.