The International award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard, based on the film which starred and featured songs by Whitney Houston, burst into Milton Keynes Theatre with one huge bang this week.
Having premiered in the West End in 2012, it has gone on to play to over 3.6 million people across the world.
Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Tensions rise between them as each believe they are in charge, but as the plot ignites, the conflicts give way, and they fall in love.
This sensational show stars Pussycat Doll and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron, and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer in an extravaganza of Hollywood glitz, glamour, pyrotechnics, lights, dance music and song. Wow, the goosebumps!
The lead role of Rachael, originally played by Whitney Houston, is a highly demanding role. Houston was never going to be an easy act to follow; but Melody Thornton is a polished performer. Shivers run up my spine as she belts out some of those big notes – like she is really in the room. Callaghan plays a very convincing Frank; you can’t help but fall in love with him (at least I did!).
I could not fail to mention Emily Mae playing the unrecognised but talented sister Nicki, whose vocal command was so accomplished that, at times, she completely stole the show. Nor could I forget the adorable Kaylenn Aires Fonseca playing Rachael’s son Fletcher; so professional and at home in an adult cast, and whose singing and dancing stole our hearts. Surely a star in the making!
This shows delivers on all levels, but it is the multitude of iconic songs musically directed by Sam Hall; Queen of the Night, I Will Always Love You, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and so many more, that bring absolute magic – and I’ll admit to quite a few emotional tears throughout.
Playing until Saturday 3rd June, this is one show not to be missed!
Resident Reviewer: Shahnaz Hussain