(AD – PRESS NIGHT) THE BODYGUARD UK TOUR REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 10TH JULY 2023 @ 7.30PM
*** 3/5
The Bodyguard’s tour has been in the headlines since it started, with reports of awful audiences. With that being said, it’s been a while since those reports so I was living in hope the audiences had started behaving. Here’s a look at The Bodyguard UK Tour review in Hull.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
I’ve seen the movie once before, I’m pretty sure we were on holiday in the Lake District. Nothing was on TV one night and there was only a selection of five films to choose from. The Bodyguard won and seeing as I clearly don’t remember much about it, it can’t have been that great! However, Whitney Houston’s music is undeniable and to me, she’s one of the best vocalists of all time. I’m also happy to go into a musical with little knowledge of the story so I definitely didn’t really know what to expect.
THE MAIN CAST
For me, the highlight of any show is the talent of the cast on show. Musical theatre is one of the hardest of all the arts because you’re expected to be able to sing, dance, and act (as well as be a prop-mover too). Tonight’s leading lady playing Rachel Marron was Emily Mae Walker. I’m sure lots of the audience were disappointed when Melody Thornton wasn’t on but they were treated to a superstar on stage.
Walker’s performance was a fresh take; she had a gorgeous, soulful voice that definitely didn’t sound like a bad Whitney tribute act. I like that she made the role her own (I sound like Louis Walsh on X Factor now) and I’d love to see her as Cathy Parr in Six. Usually, she plays Rachel’s sister but I’m glad she got to play the lead.
Her opposite was Ayden Callaghan as Frank Farmer, the bodyguard. According to the programme, he was in Hollyoaks, but I’ve not watched since John-Paul and Craig left back in the day. He plays a very strong leading man, with a real stage presence. You truly believe that he could be a bodyguard! His and Walker’s chemistry was strong without being overpowering. You felt that they were just figuring each other out.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
Perhaps the most underrated role is Nicki Marron, Rachel’s sister, played by Rosie Cava Beale. Her write-up wasn’t even in the programme and it turns out she stepped in at the last minute to cover cast illness! She’s played the role in a previous tour but that was a while ago. She had a beautiful voice; I just wish her character had more time on stage!
The biggest star of the show was Manasseh Mapira, playing Rachel’s son, Fletcher. He was a breath of fresh air in a storylike that can get a bit heavy in places. He’s definitely a star of the future because he’s also a triple threat! You feel his energy fill the theatre!
The male characters (James Groom as publicist Sy Spector, John Macaulay as manager Bill Devaney, Graham Elwell as the other bodyguard Tony Scibelli, and Phil Atkinson as Frank’s former colleague Ray Court) all hold their own on stage throughout. I have to say Marios Nicolaides as The Stalker is absolutely terrifying. He has all the scenes that make the audience jump!
A final shout-out goes to the ensemble. Without them, the show wouldn’t be as alive without them. Despite there only being eight members on stage at any one time, their dancing fills it to the brim!
THE MUSIC
Let’s face it, most people watch this musical for the music! Whitney’s back catalogue is extensive but I also liked that newer song, Million Dollar Bill, is included as it’s a bop. In fact, I think there could’ve been more musical numbers included. You can never get enough of Whitney, especially with Walker’s incredible vocals!
It must be a difficult show to perform in if you’re playing the lead because Rachel does 90% of the singing. Whitney’s music is not the easiest to sing either, with lots of belting, falsettos, and rollercoaster notes in nearly every song. I enjoyed it when her sister and son got a chance to sing.
THE PRODUCTION
Now is where my review changes tone. Oh, it was going so well. I might be alone in this but I thought the book/script was non-existent. There was a bit of dialogue but not enough throughout the show (similar to Bonnie and Clyde). There were lots of random pauses throughout where the actors just looked at each other. Sometimes, it worked for effect, but most of the time, it could’ve been filled with some dialogue.
Furthermore, there was very little character development. I’d have loved a scene about the Marrons’ upbringing as well as Farmer’s background. You have the odd detail added but it’s not fully explored.
What I didn’t understand was the inclusion of social media/mobile phones. The film was set in the 90s and it just didn’t feel authentic. Would a stalker really leave a letter nowadays or would it be an email? Some of the costumes felt current but then, others felt dated (but perfect for the 90s).
The choreography was also very modern, with lots of hip-hop and commercial elements. Well, apart from the random salsa number that didn’t work for me personally. However, the set design was a great use of the stage. Apart from a couple of hiccups with curtains (to be expected on opening night), there were minimal props and set pieces. I actually prefer that because it meant there were no distractions from the performances.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The show, as a whole, just didn’t flow enough for me, that’s why I can’t give it more stars. It felt like a Whitney Houston jukebox musical with the faintest of storylines plonked in. I definitely enjoyed the show and had a lovely evening but it didn’t feel like a full musical, but rather a collection of songs with a very weak storyline.
Some parts were excellent (the cast, the set, the soundtrack), with others leaving something to be desired (the story being the main one). Would I see it again? Probably not. Did I enjoy my evening? Absolutely! For me, any show can be carried with a talented cast and a fabulous score, both of which The Bodyguard has!
If you enjoyed The Bodyguard UK tour review in Hull, you can check it out on its other tour dates. Don’t forget to read my other theatre reviews here. Whilst you’re looking, follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more stagey happenings!
