The Bodyguard Musical At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Julie Hayward

It was my first-time visiting Milton Keynes Theatre; it is easily accessible by train, via Milton Keynes Central Station and just a short bus or taxi ride to the Theatre District, alternatively you could come by car and there is a multi-storey car park just across the road. Conveniently situated next to the theatre, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, for pre-show refreshments.

Milton Keynes Theatre has a huge auditorium, its tiered seating is spacious and airy, and I was impressed with the modern curved design.

We settled into our seats awaiting the show to begin. The stage was draped with a movie like glimmering screen of The Bodyguard, it felt they had pitched the blockbuster theme just right, being based on the 1992 film of the same name, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, featuring many of Whitney’s greatest hits.

The lights went down and ‘BANG!’ it began. The audience was immersed in the musical that has features of a cinema experience, a concert, a psychological thriller, a love story and a play all rolled into one, and to my delight none of those elements were too overpowering.

Of course, the singing performance of former ‘Pussycat Doll’, Melody Thornton took centre stage. She was amazing, her vocal ability was brilliant, she can dance all the choreographed numbers to perfection, supported by an array of amazing dancers, and she can act. I feel she has really made the role her own, I didn’t see her as I expected to; as, playing Whitney Houston, playing the part of Rachel Marron, but as Melody Thornton, playing Rachel Marron, performing Whitney Houston songs, and she was utterly fabulous.

Whereas I could see Kevin Costner in Ayden Callaghan’s portrayal of Frank Farmer, as The Bodyguard. He had the right amount of muscle, charisma and charm, to make you feel that you are in safe hands, and to want those loving arms around you too.

Emily-Mae who played Rachel’s envious sister Nicki Marron has a beautiful voice, she performed ‘Saving all my love.’ Superbly.

Fletcher who is Rachel’s son, played by Kaylenn Aires Fonseca, is a wonderful young actor, he danced, sang and acted along side the cast, taking centre stage in many of the acting scenes.

The scenery made you feel that you were on a movie set. Moving effortlessly between several on screen filming locations; from the Marron Mansion to a concert venue, a wine bar, and even to a log cabin. The special effects were all really good, I particularly enjoyed the slow-motion tussle, and the sinister moments provided by the stalker played by Marios Nicolaide.

Overall, it is a feel-good musical, it has a familiar story, that pays homage to the late great Whitney Houston, and whilst you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy the show, I defy anyone not to agree that with so many great classic songs that you could not fail to have a brilliant time.

Rating:  5/5

Tickets cost from £13 plus transaction fee
The Bodyguard Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Mon 29th May to Sat 3rd June 2023
For more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on 02072061174
500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 3NZ