21 – 26 August
With so many hit films having been given the musical treatment in recent years – “Back to the Future”, “Moulin Rouge”, “Matilda” being just a few of the current crop – it seems musical adaptations are enjoying something of a purple patch….or should that be a “Colour Purple” patch? Since its debut at the Adelphi Theatre in 2012, director Thea Sharrock’s rendering of the popular film version of “The Bodyguard” has enjoyed some rave reviews over the last decade. Zoe Birkett, a Pop Idol winner in 2002 aged just 16, was one of the first performers to take on the part of female lead Rachel Marron and has reprised the role for the first time in seven years for its current tour. And her return is well worth the wait….
The 1992 film on which the musical is based paired two of entertainment’s biggest stars of the day – the big screen draw of Kevin Costner and the incredible vocal talents of Whitney Houston in her film debut – and yet the resulting movie failed to live up to the sum of its parts, being more a vehicle for the latter’s singing rather than the former’s acting – the film’s score remains the largest selling movie soundtrack of all time – so it was perhaps no real surprise when Alexander Dinelaris chose to adapt Lawrence Kasdan’s screenplay for a stage musical.
Musically, theatrically, visually, technically and artistically, this show is a triumph. Right from the dramatic opening scene, we are thrown into the central dilemma of the plot – can the eponymous, mysterious bodyguard, played with a cool, detached, world-weariness by Ayden Callaghan, protect Birkett’s Grammy award-winning, Oscar-nominated heroine from the menacing threat of Marios Nicolaides’ sinister stalker? There is enough suspense and intrigue here to keep the audience fully engaged, with some genuine jump-scares and edge-of-the-seat moments, but whereas perhaps the film struggled to balance the musical numbers with the human drama of the narrative, this production fully embraces this: Birkett blows the audience away with a stunning performance, combining her mesmerising vocal power and range with genuinely believable and impressive acting in a two-hour show where she barely leaves the stage. For me, she out-Whitneys Whitney.
But she also has an incredible supporting cast behind her: Emily-Mae shines as Rachel’s sister Nicki with her own impressive vocal performance and tragi-romantic subplot, whereas the female members of a very talented and energetic dance troupe provide a hilarious karaoke version of “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?” But it is Marron’s son Fletcher, played tonight by the precociously talented Ryo Appadu, who absolutely steals the show, never once looking fazed by his illustrious adult co-stars. In fact, he excels alongside them. Contemporary tweaks, such as the use of mobile phones and ‘viral’ videos, sit comfortably within a slick, multimedia, big budget production, including some clever gauze projections between scene changes. Impressive staging and lighting are an integral part of such an impressive visual spectacle, where the live music is worthy of such a celebrated film soundtrack too.
The rapturous standing ovation at the end of tonight’s opening performance was thoroughly deserved by all the cast. It is a fast-paced, high-energy and hugely entertaining musical treat which will appeal to audiences of all ages. Essential viewing not just for those who enjoy musicals, but for anyone who loves to be immersed in the compelling power of live theatre.
★★★★★ Tony Clarke 22 August 2023
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
