Review – The Bodyguard the Musical – Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

The current UK tour of The Bodyguard arrives in Eastbourne with all the ingredients of a classic crowd-pleaser: familiar songs, a glamorous leading lady, a touch of danger and a generous helping of nostalgia.

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical follows superstar Rachel Marron, who finds herself the target of a stalker, and Frank Farmer, the former Secret Service agent brought in to protect her. The familiar story remains a little melodramatic, but that hardly seems to matter once the music starts because, with a soundtrack packed with Houston favourites, the production knows exactly what its audience has come for.

Mireia Mambo (the alternate with Sidonie Smith) is a terrific Rachel. She has the daunting job of stepping into a role associated so strongly with Houston, but wisely avoids turning the performance into an imitation. Instead, she brings her own stage presence and vocal personality to the songs. The quieter moments give Rachel some welcome vulnerability, while the major numbers allow Mambo to show just how vocally powerful she can be.

Adam Garcia makes an assured Frank Farmer, combining the character’s stern professionalism with an appealing warmth. His chemistry with Mambo gives the central romance enough credibility to prevent it becoming simply an excuse to move between songs.  Sasha Monique is equally enjoyable as Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron. She brings plenty of personality to a part that could easily be overshadowed by the show’s leading lady.

John Macaulay as Bill Devaney, Ryan Bennett as Ray Court, Matt Milburn as Sy Spector and Jonathan Alden as Tony Sibelli provide solid support, while James-Lee Harris is suitably unsettling as The Stalker. Around them is a hard-working ensemble that keeps the production moving at an impressive pace with the four young performers playing Fletcher — Ebrahim Joof (at this performance), Adam Bartlett, Phoenix Beharry and Mason Dyett — also making a charming and assured contribution.

The real star of the show, however, is the music – played by a 6 piece band under the direction of Charlie Ingles. From Queen of the Night and So Emotional through I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Have Nothing and Run to You, there is scarcely a moment when the audience is not waiting for another familiar favourite. And when I Will Always Love You arrives, the atmosphere changes completely. It is the sort of theatrical moment for which this show exists.

The Bodyguard is a celebration of an extraordinary catalogue of pop songs, performed by a talented company that clearly understands the assignment. For an entertaining night out, it is difficult to resist. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the vocals, and expect to leave with at least one Whitney Houston song stuck firmly in your head.

*****   Five Stars