Some musicals could conceivably be classed as 'demanding' - there's no doubt that many productions take it out of the actors on stage. However, The Bodyguard, is the perfect storm of an emotional plot and an outstanding soundtrack.
The internationally award-winning musical is based on the film of the same name, released in 1992. It tells the story of former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker but, as you'd expect with two big personalities, each of them expects to be in charge - but what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
The story is beautifully interwoven with a soundtrack that comes with a pedigree that so many other jukebox musicals don't. When you start with a catalogue of Whitney Houston classics, including So Emotional, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest songs of all time - I Will Always Love You - you're almost guaranteed a hit show.
However what that pedigree also delivers is an expectation. After all, whilst the 1992 film had a solid storyline it was ultimately the soundtrack that received the majority of its award nominations.
But, where the musical is concerned, from the ensemble to the leads it’s the cast on stage tonight took that to another level.
Sidonie Smith takes the lead role on this tour, one she's played before and her confidence shows. Her charisma and chemistry with her peers shines through and with her history with the show, it's clear she's at a point where she's able to enjoy playing Rachel and belting out those songs - it’s as though she’s been Queen of the Night for decades.
That said, one thing that's definitely worth noting is that Smith isn't playing Whitney. Such is the strength of the link between Houston, The Bodyguard and a soundtrack of her own hits, it's a point that can often be overlooked. However Smith is playing her version of the character - a moe which is to be applauded.
Theatre stalwart, Adam Garcia plays Frank Turner and, with a list of credits as long as your arm, his experience is clear to see. Frank is the archetypal 'gentleman' and Garcia fits that persona perfectly. What is strange is to see someone with this breadth of experience in the role - one which requires a two-time Olivier nominee to be 'bad' at singing and dancing. If we could drop a quick dance break into the story, that would be brilliant...!
Special mention should go to Sasha Monique as Rachel's sister, Nicki. A part which often gets overlooked when you've got a 'Whitney-esque' character on stage, Monique excelled this evening and gave a beautiful vocal performance with her rendition of Saving All My Love For You being a stand out moment of the show.
An element The Bodyguard is well known for is its staging, lighting and effects. From the subtleties of the productions mood lighting to the out and out stadium level extravaganza that plays through the first number, this show is visually beautiful and pushes the boundaries of most peoples understanding of musical theatre.
In previous reviews of earlier productions of the show I mentioned there was a noticeable difference in the set in comparison to previous tours. Seemingly a lot more basic, there were also points where a usually slick scene change became less so.
This incarnation of the show does seem to have fixed many of the points that seemed overlooked last time round and, even with those subtle changes, the production is back where it belongs.
That said, this show never stops and there's no lull's in the score to allow you to catch your breath. This really is intense and, even for the non-Whitney fans in the audience, you can't deny that this is hit after hit from an artist who sold almost 200 million records in her time.
The Bodyguard plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 27th September. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
