**** 4 Stars
“A Taught Thriller of a Musical! “
Based on the 1992 motion picture of the same name, The Bodyguard, the musical has become a fan favourite in musical theatre circles and now embarks on its 5th tour of the United Kingdom. Featuring a book by Alexander Dinelaris and featuring the music of the original motion pictures star, Whitney Houston, it remains a faithful screen to stage transfer of the film original albeit the time frame is moved forward to the present day rather than the original 1992 setting. (The musical debuting in 2012).
Telling the story of fictional pop star Rachel Marron (Sidonie Smith) who is being stalked by a crazed gun man (James -Lee Harris) forcing her record management to bring in security specialist and bodyguard Frank Farmer (Adam Garcia) to protect both Rachel, her son Fletcher and sister Nicki Marron (Sasha Monique). The situation grows ever more complicated as emotions and affairs of the heart come into play it what remains a well written taught thriller of a musical.
Performances are somewhat uneven to be fair, Sidonie Smith’s take on Rachel Marron does succeed in the emotional moments thanks to her great acting skills, but her vocals don’t always match, it could well have been tiredness but the vocal quality wasn’t the strongest and the diction and clarity even less so ultimately delivering more of underwhelming performance that should be delivered by the lead role. Sasha Monique is the opposite, great acting, powerful honey-soaked vocals and a performance rich in truth and emotional honesty she lifts the show to the fourth star on her own. When watching the show is almost as if Monique and Smith should swap rolls and play each others characters to achieve a better overall production. Adam Garcia is a triumph as Frank Farmer exuding a Hollywood leading man charm with ease and for someone who has great vocal ability in the one song he does perform is delivered to great comedic effect. James- Lee Harris as “The Stalker” delivers everything the character should and gets the audience jumping at all the right moments.
The nine strong principal company are joining by a well drilled 11 strong ensemble company who sparkle especially when delivering Karen Bruce’s inspired period choreography. Director Thea Sharrock has shown great skill in blending those tense moments with joyous pop musical numbers with ease.
Production wise the show is as fresh as ever with Tim Hatley’s Set and Costume design being on point (although there was a little issue with drape rails malfunctioning so we could see the crew changing the set) and its beautifully lit by Mark Henderson lighting design. The sound is pure quality with Richard Brooker’s sound design delivering a faultless balance between performers and musical director Charlie Ingles 6 strong pit band beautifully well. The cherry on the cake is Duncan McLean’s Video Design which brings just enough flavour of the original motion picture to make the stage version zing!
The Bodyguard continues to deliver a fabulously fun evening of musical theatre that come the inevitable sing along finale has the audience on its feet following the moment the audience waited for with bated breath, “I will always love you” proving this is a show that has everything and will continue to wow audiences around the country! You wont go wrong by heading to the Playhouse and grabbing a ticket for your very own “One Moment time”!
The Bodyguard, The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 23rd May, for more information and tickets go to: The Bodyguard Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
The Productions UK tour continues, and the show will visit The King’s Theatre Glasgow Monday 25th – Saturday 30th May 2026.
ScotsGay Arts 