THE BODYGUARD The Musical – Review

MAYFLOWER THEATRE – Southampton until 25th April

Review: ZSPL 21st April 2026

The Bodyguard The Musical is a stage adaptation of the record breaking Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner film of 1992. This is the fourth time it has visited Mayflower Theatre since it had its regional premiere here in February 2015. The show tells the story of Rachel Marron, an Academy Award-nominated music superstar who is being stalked and sent death threats. Rachel’s manager Bill Devaney seeks out a professional bodyguard, Frank Farmer, to protect her.

Alexander Dinelaris has created the book for this musical, adapting a very complex screenplay to something that works on stage in the confines of a theatre. It is a stage musical whose style has been adopted by screen musicals such as A Star Is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, where the marriage of story and concert performance fit perfectly together, rather than the more traditional storyline approach of Mamma Mia! and Mary Poppins Returns.

Sidonie Smith steps into the shoes of Alexandra Burke, who has played the role of Rachel Marron in the three previous productions at this theatre and they are very difficult shoes to fill. American born Sidonie comes to the role as one of the leading lights in German musical theatre and for me didn’t sit comfortably in the part. In fact, Sasha Monique, who plays her sister Nicki Marron is the powerhouse of a performer and I’m certain we will see more of her in the future.

The Bodyguard of the show, Frank Farmer, the ex-CIA agent, is played by ex-Coronation Street actor Matt Milburn who brings more depth to the character than we’ve seen in previous productions. In the story, Rachel has a 10 year old son, Fletcher and it’s a role that brings an unexpected sparkle to the show, with amazing vocals, personality and moves and it’s a part shared by Cale Cole, Mason Dyett and Ebrahim Joof.

All the performances were strong and believable and the ensemble were a powerhouse in supporting the diva of the story. The dance numbers are amazing, so full marks to choreographer Karen Bruce. The band under the direction of Charlie Ingles recreate the soundtrack of Whitney Houston as though they are filling a concert hall for themselves.

There are many elements that make this show work, but it is the design that carries it through. This production directed by Thea Sharrock is flawless, the sets (Tim Hatley), the lighting (Mark Henderson), video (Duncan McLean), and sound (Richard Brooker) create the atmosphere that moves the story forward. The big production numbers are something else, they look as though they’ve been created for an arena tour and wouldn’t be out of place in London’s O2.

If you’re a fan of the movie or Whitney Houston’s iconic music, this is a must-see. The musical is packed with Whitney Houston-era hits including: Queen of the Night, So Emotional, I Have Nothing, I Will Always Love You. I’m saving all my love for this new production of The Bodyguard, and recommend you do too. It was magnificent, moving seamlessly from scene to scene on the huge Mayflower stage and culminating in a finale encore which saw a spontaneous, standing ovation, with a couple of thousand voices joining those on the stage proclaiming ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ – and we did.