A deafening gunshot snaps the auditorium to attention. I’m fairly sure someone nearby screamed.
In an instant, chatter dies and the Mayflower is plunged into the heightened, high-gloss world of The Bodyguard.
A shadowy screen of silhouetted gunmen quickly melts away, revealing the bright, blinding showbiz world of global superstar Rachel Marron.
The award‑winning smash‑hit musical The Bodyguard is in Southampton this week, bringing audiences to their feet.
Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the stage version makes a few diversions but sticks closely to the original storyline. Ex-Secret Service agent Frank Farmer is drafted in to protect Rachel after she starts receiving threats from a stalker. What follows is a slick thriller laced with a back catalogue of Whitney Houston-era anthems, including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and, of course, I Will Always Love You.
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As Rachel, Sidonie Smith tackles all songs with total ease and total composure. At times her tone leans more towards Tina Turner, but her soulful tone helps mark this Rachel out as her own creation rather than a tribute to Houston.
Duncan McLean’s video design is a direct link to the story’s cinematic roots. Despite the sometimes wobbly projection, it still does an effective job of whisking us to Los Angeles and heightening up the tension when it counts.
James-Lee Harris is chilling as the brooding, obsessive stalker, his every appearance dialling the atmosphere up a notch. His scenes are among the most gripping of the night, the unease in the auditorium almost tangible. Obviously the romance is what draws the crowd, but it was the stalker storyline that I found far more absorbing.
Ten-year-old Cale Cole, as Rachel’s son Fletcher, looks like he’s having the time of his life – particularly in the finale megamix. It’s hard to stay in your seat as he tears into I Wanna Dance With Somebody with infectious confidence.
The production walks a fine line between menace and sparkle, and largely nails it.
The ensemble numbers fizz with energy, with punchy choreography and powerhouse vocals delivering all the glitz and glamour the score demands.
But the evening ultimately belongs to Sasha Monique as Rachel’s sister, Nicki Marron. Her vocals are outstanding, but it’s the emotional weight she brings that makes her the beating heart of this Bodyguard.
The Bodyguard is at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, April 25. Tickets can be purchased online or via the Box Office on 02380 711811.
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