The Bodyguard, UK Tour (2025) Review
The Bodyguard production image. Photo by Paul Coltas
Written by Katie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
If you’re a fan of Whitney Houston, a blockbuster spectacle, or just a good old-fashioned love story, The Bodyguard Musical is well worth a night out. Based on the 1992 hit film of the same name, the show celebrates Whitney’s powerhouse vocals while serving up a heady mix of romance, drama, and glittering choreography that’s hard to resist. It’s a production that knows exactly where its strengths lie; big vocals, high drama, and dazzling dance numbers, and it leans into them wholeheartedly.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the plot follows global superstar Rachel Marron, whose fame has attracted the unwanted attention of a dangerous stalker. To keep her safe, her team hires former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer as her bodyguard. At first, the pair clash in a tussle for who is in charge, but as the threat escalates, the two are drawn closer together, blurring the lines between professional duty and romance.
The evening began with an absolute heart-stopper of an opening, complete with a jump scare that had the audience squealing (and there were a few more of those sprinkled throughout). From that moment on, the energy never really dropped.
I want to start by highlighting one of my absolute favourite elements of this show; Karen Bruce’s choreography, which was nothing short of outstanding. It was beautifully complex, stylish, and packed with enough razzle dazzle to fill an arena.The dance ensemble in particular, were ridiculously talented, executing every number with precision, energy, and flair. Numbers like ‘I’m Every Woman’ became a true showcase of their versatility and they pulled out every trick in their arsenals. These performers gave us perfection and made it look effortless, keeping the audience hooked with sheer charisma. The ‘How Will I Know’ rehearsal scene was especially charming, providing a wholesome and grounded contrast to the glitzy, Beyoncé-like opening superstar sequence. It also gave Rachel Marron (played by Sidonie Smith) a moment of humanity, softening her star persona.
The technical aspects of this production should also be commended, with clever lighting and stage trickery contributing to a really slick, sharp show. The show is visually beautiful, there’s no doubt about that, going between enormous concert staging with pyros and the works, to cosy home scenes excellently.
Vocally, the show had some memorable standouts. Sidonie Smith brought sheer power throughout all her numbers with a strong belt, while Sasha Monique brought tenderness and heart to ‘Saving All My Love’, and her warm, honey-toned voice was a joy to listen to. I’ll also never forget Adam Garcia’s unexpected take on ‘I Will Always Love You’… If you know, you know.
That said, the casting choices did raise some questions. Sasha Monique (playing Nicki Marron)’s vocals felt so perfectly suited to Whitney’s repertoire that I couldn’t help but feel she might have been stronger in the lead role, with Sidonie Smith perhaps better placed as Nicki. While Smith brought star presence to Rachel, at times she seemed to struggle with vocal placement, leaving a few vocal runs short of their mark. This is not her first time in this role, so I was really surprised and wonder if it was just one of those days? In comparison, Monique sang with crisp ease that sat really well in her voice and still retained the iconic power those songs demand. Still, their duet together was a highlight, with both voices blending exquisitely.
Adam Garcia, best known for his dance background, was also an unusual choice for Frank Farmer, a role that involves neither song nor dance. His acting was strong, and he gave a nuanced, believable performance, but I can’t help but think I’m not the only audience member who was left gutted that we didn't see his moves. Garcia’s rapport with young Mason Dyett, as Fletcher, was also particularly touching and one of the show’s emotional anchors.
Overall, The Bodyguard Musical is a fun, faithful celebration of the classic film, with a few fresh touches (not least the expanded role of Rachel’s sister Nicki). It delivers powerhouse vocals, thrilling drama, and 10/10 choreography, and it’s clear why it’s an audience favourite.
The Bodyguard plays at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 27 Sept as part of a wider UK tour which runs through to August 2026.
★★★★
