The Bodyguard, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joy Wright
From the outset this show is exactly what you’d expect. Big and flashy with wild lighting and awesome vocals. Based on the iconic 1992 film the theatre show follows Rachel Marron (Emily Williams) through her rise in a successful career and heading toward an Academy Award nomination but drawing the attention of a stalker who brings fear into her life. Then, in response, along comes Frank Farmer, (Ayden Callaghan) an experienced personal security bodyguard, brought in to ramp up the protection for the star and her family. Frank is stoic and no nonsense, he has a duty and he’s not there for Rachel’s impetuous defiance. However, slowly, with a background of threat and danger the two are forced to find a way to work through it all and keep the star safe. The songs and hits of Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton add all the glamour and glory to the story line and punctuate the musical beautifully.
The film was a huge success and rose into the box office records in 1992, further catapulting the leads of the movie into greater stardom. Now in 2023 the story remains as strong and relevant as it was and will be loved by audiences around the UK as they tour through until the end of January 2024.
There’s a few tweaks to make the theatre show work, however, it’s a wild, enthusiastic performance and you’re getting live and outstanding vocalists, great dancers with some impressive acrobatics woven into the choreography and an overall outstanding cast.
Ryo Appadu is one of the multiple young actors in the role of Fletcher, Rachel’s young son and it was good to see his skill set used as he joined in the dance moves and sang too.
Emily-Mae in the role of Nicki Marron, Rachel’s sister provides a fabulous contrast to her strident sibling and another set of cracking vocals. Nicki is an unexpected complication for Frank and another layer and dynamic within the story.
There’s a lot of humour to be found here, more evident than the film and finding a receptive audience in Sheffield. Graham Elwell as Tony and James Groom as Sy Spector bring subtle moments of lightness here and there as well as genuinely fun quips.
A mention also for Phil Atkinson in the role of Ray Court, authoritative in bringing news of The Stalker and the dangers Frank and Rachel face. His proud aunt whooped in delight from the audience as he appeared and shared her pride with us.
The costumes and set design in this production are visually stunning. The costumes are lavish and I think they’re based on the film too, so you might find some recognition in some scenes.
Whilst the audience are asked not to sing along throughout the production there’s a lovely singalong encore with the whole cast at the end so you can join in and raise the feel-good-factor along with the rest of the audience who I promise will be on their feet.
This is well worth watching and a wonderful evening of entertainment for most. It isn’t suggested for under 10’s due to pyrotechnics, check out the tour information for more guidance.
You can find tickets for evening performances and two matinees; Thursday and Saturday here https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-bodyguard or at the box office on 0114 249 6000 . Prices range from£15.00 to £57.50 and not many tickets left in any areas so get them whilst you can. It’s worth it.
Rating: 5/5