The stage musical bears the signs of its cinematic beginnings. There is the familiar formula of the initially reluctant hero; no he won’t take the job protecting an overpaid diva, oh she’s got a child who is also in danger? OK, I’ll do it. Then he falls in love with the person he is supposed to protect and has to sacrifice his love in order to do the job properly, finally taking a bullet for her. It’s easy emotional goo. And as in many a film there are a lot of angry people becoming needlessly exercised over things otherwise worthy of a little thought, strutting and posturing with cocky swaggers that convince no one.

But in a melodramatic entertainment all that doesn’t seem to matter, that’s not why we’re here. This after all is as much a show as anything and we’ve come to see Alexandra Burke, who is reprising the role she previously played in the West End and on a national tour. The role is now as much hers as anyone else’s. She’s made it her own and it’s a perfect fit. The showstopper, I Will Always Love You (which really does stop the show, coming right at the end) rounds off an accomplished performance.

The bodyguard, Frank Farmer (Benoît Maréchal) acts with that cool poise we find in someone, often a villain, who knows they’re a bit tasty and, as here, is on top of the game. It makes a nice contrast with the more explosive Rachel Marron (Alexandra Burrke) who is initially frustrated by the control on her life imposed by Frank, only to eventually accept and embrace it.

For me the emotional high point in the production is the duet, Run to You, sung to the audience from either side of the stage when each sister recognizes the developing emotions they feel for the Bodyguard.

Rachel’s sister, Nicki (Micha Richardson) falls for the same man as her successful sister. Ms Richardson is a match for the powerhouse that is Ms Burke. She articulates with some subtlety that sinking feeling in the solar plexus as she realized her sister was at it again, stealing, as she saw it, her chance of happiness. She manages to put in some creditable acting in a show whose main interest lies elsewhere.

The standalone numbers are all of the highest quality and accompanied where required by top class dancing. Last night there were audible gasps as the male dancers appeared looking not unlike the Chippendales. But they are no mere eye candy for the ladies and  were both artistically expressive and athletic, as were the female troupe.

The music, lighting and stage effects all make this a colourful and entertaining piece of musical theatre that has not tired from being so long on the road.   ★★★★☆     Graham Wyles   28^th March 2019