- Theatre
- UK Tour
- Age
- 10+
- Running Time
- 2hrs 30mins
Overall Score
Rating Overview
Rating Summary
The Bodyguard remains one of the most recognisable musical theatre adaptations on the touring circuit, combining romance, suspense and a soundtrack filled with some of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits. Based on the much-loved 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard has become a firm favourite with audiences thanks to its gripping story, spectacular live vocals and concert-style production numbers, especially that buzzing finale, with the entire audience on their feet, more like a concert than a musical at that point.
On Monday evening, we were delighted to attend The Bodyguard at Theatre Royal Plymouth as invited guests. With huge expectations surrounding this much-loved musical, the question was simple – does The Bodyguard still deliver the excitement, emotion and unforgettable music that audiences have come to expect?
Copyright: Banner and Show Images: UK Tour 2025/26 (Paul Coltas)
A Story That Balances Romance and Suspense
For anyone unfamiliar with The Bodyguard, the story centres around former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect international superstar Rachel Marron after she begins receiving increasingly disturbing threats from an obsessive stalker.
Initially, the relationship between the disciplined Frank and fiercely independent Rachel is anything but straightforward. However, as the danger grows ever closer, their professional relationship slowly develops into something much deeper. While the central love story provides plenty of emotional moments, The Bodyguard also succeeds as a tense thriller, keeping audiences invested right through to its dramatic conclusion.
Although many theatre-goers will already know the story from the hit film, seeing The Bodyguard performed live adds an extra layer of intensity, with the music seamlessly woven into the narrative to create an engaging evening of entertainment.
Outstanding Performances
Taking on the demanding role of Rachel Marron was the alternate Mireia Mambo, whose performance captures both the glamour of an international superstar and the vulnerability of a woman whose life is increasingly overshadowed by fear, Mambo was electric from the opening number to the final bow.
Vocally, she delivers exactly what audiences hope for from The Bodyguard, confidently tackling some of Whitney Houston’s most iconic songs while making the role very much her own. It’s a performance that requires both emotional depth and vocal stamina, and Mambo rises to the challenge throughout the evening.
Alongside her, Frank Farmer played by the incredible Adam Garcia who gives a measured and believable performance as the quietly determined bodyguard. Rather than relying on grand gestures, he allows the character’s calm professionalism to speak for itself, creating a convincing contrast to Rachel’s celebrity lifestyle.
Together, the pair develop a believable chemistry that ensures the emotional heart of The Bodyguard remains just as compelling as its dramatic storyline.
A Strong Supporting Company
No production of The Bodyguard would work without a talented supporting cast, and this company delivers across the board.
Nicki Marron, played by Sasha Monique brings warmth, emotion and complexity to Rachel’s sister, providing several of the production’s most heartfelt moments, her voice .
Meanwhile the ensemble work tirelessly throughout the evening, effortlessly transitioning between backstage drama, glamorous concert performances and high-energy dance numbers.
The choreography remains slick and dynamic, helping to create the scale and excitement audiences associate with The Bodyguard. Truthfully, we have seen better versions of this musical toruing before, but it still packs a punch and is a fun night out, I mean that is all you are after isn’t it?
TheMusical Numbers Take Centre Stage
Of course, the real star of The Bodyguard is its phenomenal soundtrack.
Featuring timeless favourites including Queen of the Night, Saving All My Love for You, Run to You, I’m Every Woman, One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing and the legendary I Will Always Love You, the musical delivers hit after hit, each greeted with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Although at times the music was a tad too loud, though that did drown out a few singing crowd members and very annoying rustling sweets, we do feel theatre etiquette needs a re-fresh!
Rather than simply recreating the original recordings, the songs are thoughtfully integrated into the story while also allowing each performer the opportunity to showcase their own vocal interpretation.
As the evening progresses, The Bodyguard increasingly takes on the atmosphere of a live concert, particularly during Rachel’s on-stage performances, with lighting, choreography and live musicians combining to create genuinely fun an emotional musical moments.
Production Values and Staging
Visually, The Bodyguard is every bit the polished touring production audiences expect.
The cleverly designed set moves smoothly between luxurious homes, backstage dressing rooms, theatres and concert venues without disrupting the flow of the story. Combined with atmospheric lighting and effective sound design, each scene feels cinematic while still embracing the immediacy of live theatre. Though we have come to want more lavish sets, this one does not disappoint, parts are a little lack lustre but transitions are smooth.
The costume design also deserves recognition, perfectly reflecting Rachel’s superstar status while contrasting beautifully with Frank’s understated professionalism. Throughout the evening, every technical element works together to maintain both the pace of the thriller and the glamour of the concert sequences.
Why the Bodyguard Continues to Fill Theatres
More than thirty years after the original film’s release, The Bodyguard continues to prove why it remains such a popular choice for audiences across the UK.
Its winning combination of romance, suspense, humour and unforgettable music gives the show broad appeal, whether you’re discovering the story for the first time or returning to enjoy it again.
Fans of Whitney Houston will naturally appreciate hearing so many iconic songs performed live, while musical theatre lovers will enjoy the strong storytelling and impressive production values that make The Bodyguard much more than simply a tribute concert.
Final Thoughts
The Bodyguard remains a thrilling night at the theatre that successfully blends suspense, romance and world-class music into one unforgettable production.
With outstanding lead performances, a talented supporting company, slick staging and a soundtrack that features some of the greatest songs ever written, it’s easy to understand why The Bodyguard continues to attract audiences wherever it tours.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the film, love the music of Whitney Houston or are simply looking for a spectacular evening of live entertainment, The Bodyguard delivers.
Showing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth until Satruday 11 July 2026 get your tickets here.
The show then continues its UK Tour, check to see if its smashing its way to you here.
You can also view the officiail UK Tour Trailer below:
