The Bodyguard The Musical At The Grand Theatre And Opera House Leeds Review

Reviewed by Claire Giles

The show started with a bang literally and figuratively! The Bodyguard The Musical is an adaptation of the iconic 1992 film starring the legendary Whitney Houston, who played Rachel Marron, and sang the award winning soundtrack. Anyone taking on the role of Rachel would have big shoes to fill and Melody Thornton, best known as a former member of the band The Pussycat Dolls, did not disappoint. She put her own brand on the songs and is an outstanding singer.

We watched the show at The Grand Theatre & Opera House in Leeds. The Grand is based in Leeds City Centre so is easily accessible by car or public transport. There is plenty of payable car parking nearby. The staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Elusive bodyguard Frank Farmer is reluctantly hired to protect global award winning superstar Rachel Marron who, unknown to her, has an obsessed stalker. Both Rachel and Frank are strong willed and stubborn and both want things doing their way which leads to arguments and fireworks. This hatred of each other eventually turns to love. The cast overall played their parts well but Melody’s emotional performance of Rachel is excellent especially how she portrays the difference between superstar Rachel’s public persona and family oriented mom Rachel who absolutely dotes on her son Fletcher.

Emily-Mae’s performance as Rachel’s side lined sister Nicki Marron living in Rachel’s shadow and watching Rachel live a life she can only dream of was outstanding. Nicki falls for Frank creating a love triangle between Frank, Rachel and Nicki and again Nicki can only stand aside and watch Rachel get something she wants. Emily-Mae’s voice is phenomenal and the duet of ‘Run To You’ she sings with Melody is a real highlight of the show.

There is an underlying thriller and suspense element to the show centred around the stalker, watch out for the jump scares, that makes this no ordinary love story. Comedic moments in the show have you laughing out loud especially the karaoke bar scene with some truly appalling singing.

With so many big musical numbers there was also some exceptional choreography performed by some excellent dancers. There was often a lot happening on the stage in the big dance numbers with singing, dancing, lighting and the bling costumes but everything was well thought out and added to the songs rather than distracting you from them.

The musical performances and songs, all set to a live band, are the true stars of the show. The songs are so well known and more Whitney’s songs are covered than in the original film. I think everyone was waiting for Melody to sing The Bodyguard’s most iconic song ‘I Will Always Love You’ at the end which was simply breath taking, it honestly left me in awe, and showed the real power of Melody’s voice. The finale with all the cast singing and dancing to ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ whilst encouraging the audience to get up on there feet and clap and sing along topped off with a glitter cannon ended the performance on a real high.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £30 -£58

The Bodyguard The Musical is at The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds from Mon 12 June – Sat 17 June 2023
For more information or to book tickets visit www.leedsheritagetheatres.com or call the box office on 0113 2430808
Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU