Review: Alexandra Burke stars in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre

The Bodyguard 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 11th June 2014

As The Bodyguard enters the final few months of its West End run, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has taken over from soul queen Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron. The Bodyguard has really grown on me, when I first saw it in early 2013 I enjoyed the production but after several return visits it has become one of my favourite musicals in the West End.

Some may moan about film to stage adaptations and jukebox musicals, but The Bodyguard is a smooth and slick production which stands alone as a very strong piece of theatre in its own right. Fans of the 1992 Oscar nominated film will not be disappointed and those unfamiliar with the film wanting to see a big West End show are guaranteed to have a fantastic night out. 

The Bodyguard centres around American superstar Rachel Marron. Her team hire bodyguard Frank Farmer to protect the celebrity against an obsessive and potentially dangerous stalker. At first Rachel doesn't approve of Frank and his ideas but, after Rachel asks Frank on a date, the pair eventually find a way of working together…

Whitney Houston's music is naturally theatrical and tells the story beautifully. The Bodyguard isn't a stereotypical, cheesy musical. The story is dark, although you can't help but leave the theatre feeling pumped following the energetic finale which brings the entire audience to their feet night after night. A mention must go to the ensemble who are particularly strong and always on point.

Tim Hatley's big and bold design gives The Bodyguard a very cinematic feel. Thea Sharrock's production is consistent and has improved significantly since the musical opened in 2012. The only scene I still find questionable involves the shirtless stalker singing a creepy song whilst stroking one of Rachel's dresses. Here I think less would be more.

Tristan Gemmill continues as Frank Farmer, exposing the seemingly tough characters’ inner feelings. Carole Stennett has taken over as Nikki Marron and gives an absolutely phenomenal performance! It was a total joy to see her completely strip back 'Saving All My Love For You' as she effortlessly glided through her stunning vocal range. 

Not only did Stennett make such a complicated song sound so easy, but she also completely let go during the song's reprise. She also acted the part superbly, performing with charm and allowing the audience to care about Nikki thus changing the dynamic within the love triangle. A rising West End star, take note of Carole Stennett's name! 

Rachel Marron is certainly one of the biggest roles in the West End. The actress playing the role barely leaves the stage and is required to belt out big ballad after big ballad, as well as work the crowd and take the audience through Rachel's huge emotional journey.

To make your West End debut in such a role must be a daunting prospect, but Alexandra Burke is certainly up to the challenge!

From her first entrance to her final bow, I truly believed I was watching a superstar. Burke fearlessly storms the stage and is naturally likeable. Her comic timing is impressively strong and she has made the part her own, adding in various feisty remarks and priceless facial expressions.

I've also seen both Heather Headley and Beverley Knight play the role, and I think it's fantastic that all three women have brought something completely different to ‘their Rachel’. Burke is certainly the sassiest of the three. There's an almost breathy tone to her voice which I grew fond of as it brings something new to the score and really highlights the emotion within the lyrics.

At one point I feared her vocals were tiring but ultimately she paced herself well, finishing the show with epic renditions of 'I Will Always Love You' and 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody'. Her acting isn't yet perfect – one or two lines didn't quite work – but her performance is believable. It's important to remember that two weeks ago Burke had never acted professionally! Her performance can only grow and by the end of the musical's run I'm sure she will be a formidable West End leading lady.

As The Bodyguard goes from strength to strength, it seems a huge shame that the production has to close at the end of August. However, with a new leading lady the musical is in safe hands and looks set to go out with a bang! Catch it while you can.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Click here to take a look at the after-show media night pictures. 

The Bodyguard runs at the Adelphi Theatre until Friday 29th August 2014.
Please visit www.thebodyguardmusical.com for further information.

Click here to read our BIG INTERVIEW with Tristan Gemmill

Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna

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