Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar-nominated movie starring Whitney Houston, The Bodyguard follows the story of Rachel Marron, a world-famous performer and her bodyguard Frank Farmer who is hired to protect her from a strange unknown stalker.  

Alexandra Burke plays Rachel for the third time, following stints in the West End and subsequently on a sold out tour in 2016.   The Bodyguard – The Musical is a magnificent production that is simply faultless on every theatrical level. It looks fabulous and sounds fantastic  

Alexandra is a gifted singer, but also an accomplished actress as shown in this blockbuster stage version of the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

A tale of Grammy-winning superstar mom, Rachel Marron (Alexandra), who is being stalked by a very sinister knife-wielding hoodie.

Enter a no-nonsense security man who clearly is good at his job but he can’t protect his or her feelings. Charismatic Benoit Marechal plays seasoned bodyguard Frank Farmer – reminiscent of a young Clint Eastwood. He carries off the role perfectly, with a very funny karaoke scene a surprising highlight.

It always helps that you care about all the central characters and that is quite an achievement in this rom-thrill as opposed to rom-com.

Rachel’s son Fletcher (a role shared on tour by various young up and coming stars) is a delight throughout- charming in every scene.

And there’s Rachel’s jealous sister Nicki (Micha Richardson) who adds extra elements of suspense.

The choreography from Karen Bruce is pure West End meets Broadway.

And the stunning ‘in concert’ numbers feature the very best in state-of-the-art, high-tech lighting.

There is also a deft use of back projection to show the pyscho mind and six-pack of Rachel’s stalker (Phil Atkinson).

The whole show – at under two and a half hours with an interval – has the magic touch from the moment the slick set design opens to the dramatic finale.

A top-notch orchestra do not put a collective foot or note wrong.

And there’s the 16-strong soundtrack to relish including: Greatest Love of All, I’m Every Woman and Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

The sell-out crowd were on their feet during the crescendo build-up to the stirring I Will Always Love You. This is a not-to-be missed musical production. 

Runs at Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 22nd June – Tickets available at www.trch.co.uk