The Bodyguard at The Bristol Hippodrome Review

Our Verdict: Outstanding set design

Our Rating: 7/10

Outstanding set and lighting design brings alive classic nineties love story The Bodyguard on stage at The Bristol Hippodrome this week. Set and costume designer Tim Hatley, cleverly frames the action throughout the show creating a unique living cinematography.

As with many shows of its ilk, the first half drags somewhat but finds its pace in Act Two. The book was much the same as the 1992 film, but didn’t give Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron and Stuart Reid as The Bodyguard, a chance to really develop a convincing bond. At times, it disintegrated into pure cheese, especially when recreating the famous scene involving Frank carrying Rachel out through the mist to protect her.

Alexandra Burke gets top cast billing. But ironically, as in the story, this overlooks the very obvious talent of on stage sister Melissa James as Nicki Marron. Alexandra Burke has a huge score of belting numbers to get through, but was slightly flat on too many occasions. Melissa James had a beautiful voice and it was clear from other audience members that we definitely wanted to hear more from her.

Burke did pull off critical number I will Always Love you, as she rose above the audience bathed in light.

Other stand out performance of the night came from the young performer playing her son Fletcher, who possed amazing natural talent.

Kevin Costner was incredibly hot as Frank Farmer in the original movie, so was Stuart Reid up to the role of Frank Farmer? Yes he was. He gave a very enjoyably understated performance which was a good balance to Burke’s OTT character of Rachel.

The Bodyguard is at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 30 January 2016.