The Bodyguard - Adelphi Theatre

Review Summary

Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 49 review(s)



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After years of speculation it is finally here!

With singer-songwriter Heather Headley in the lead role alongside Lloyd Owen, “The Bodyguard” appears in front of audiences at the Adelphi Theatre under the direction of Thea Sharrock. This musical adaptation of the hit movie has gained a lot of attention thanks to its arrival in the capital as it is one of many productions over the years to have its roots in a well known Hollywood film, just like “The Lion King” and others like “Billy Elliot the Musical”. Based on the success of the latter, plus additional hits like “Shrek The Musical”, it is likely to amass a sizable crowd.

In the story we are introduced to Frank Farmer, portrayed by Kevin Costner in 1992, who is a bodyguard assigned to protect the singer Rachel Marron, played by the late Whitney Houston on the big screen. During the course of their interactions we witness as a romance blossoms between the two.

The movie is famous partly because of its signature song “I Will Always Love You”, which was originally written by Dolly Parton but was popularised on the soundtrack to “The Bodyguard” as sung by Houston.

This production features singer Heather Headley in Houston’s part and she made her West End debut  with the production on the back of her role as Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway, in addition to other New York successes such as “Do Re Mi” and “Aida”, plus albums like “Audience of One”. Meanwhile, co-star Lloyd Owen is better known for his screen work, which has seen him take on roles in television shows like “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” and the movie “Miss Potter”, in addition to Shakespearean stage appearances.

Then there’s director Thea Sharrock, who is a renowned talent whose work has appeared in the capital for many years. In 2012 she directed Danny DeVito in “The Sunshine Boys” at the Savoy Theatre, whilst her previous credits included “Ruby Wax: Losing It” at the Menier Chocolate Factory, “Cause Celebre” at the Old Vic Theatre, “After The Dance” at the Lyttelton National Theatre and “The Misanthrope” at the Comedy Theatre (now the Harold Pinter).

Audiences witness “The Bodyguard” on the stage of the Adelphi Theatre from Wednesday 5th December 2012 (with previews from Tuesday 6th November 2012).