Surveying the talent in the various ‘tribute’ shows over the last few years (Jersey Boys, Thriller Live and so on) one is constantly reminded of the depth of musical talent in the UK. Artists who are only known to regular theatre-goers (because they have not been in a soap or serial/series on the telly) perform to the highest of standards, have all the requisites for a successful career yet remain ‘unknown’ unless and until the famous fickle finger picks them out. I’ve always thought and maintain that a performing artist needs luck, good fortune, what you will, in order to break into the big time, but needs talent in order to stay there for any length of time – because there are plenty of talented people ready to take your place if you don’t have it. Alexandra Burke is evidently someone who does. But The Bodyguard is no tribute to Whitney Houston, who played the role of Rachel Marron in the film of the same name. Ms Burke – who has taken over the role on tour, having played it in the west End previously in 2014 – as you would expect of any talented performer, has made the part her own. Ms Burke is indisputably a talented singer – and now we must say actress. True, the show does not call for any great acting from any of the cast, but what she does do she does with confidence, integrity and personality.
In making the move from screen to stage The Bodyguard has become a vehicle for a stage performer, relying as it does on a good sprinkling of standalone numbers, each entertaining in themselves, yet without fully letting go of its film heritage. Some clever use of film-like stage framing is used to focus our attention and there are some short scenes of projected video to fill in some of the details for which no purely theatrical solution could be found. But the numbers are the show’s strength and weakness since whilst entertaining they mostly add nothing to the story nor develop character. The song with the most emotional content in this respect is the duet involving Rachel and her sister, Nicki (Melissa James – also no slouch in the vocals department) where they both express their love for the bodyguard, Frank (Stuart Reid). The show makes liberal use of cliché and stock characters with the usual star’s acolytes and the lead man initially not wanting the job until he’s told by one of her staff, “I’m talking about a scared girl with a ten year old son” – threatened by a potentially dangerous stalker. It’s the kind of goo that stalks Hollywood, but sits a little uneasy on a stage.
But as I say this is a star vehicle and in that role Alexandra Burke triumphs. The packed audience loved it and the finale in which Ms Burke, dressed in a glittery frock, arose on a plinth singing I Will Always Love You was a true show-stopper. ★★★☆☆ Graham Wyles 15th January 2016
Alexandra Burke is not scheduled to perform at midweek or Saturday matinees including any revised matinee performances. At the matinee performances, the role will be played by Zoe Birkett. The producers of The Bodyguard cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays. Please check website for full performance schedule.
