Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, a film star and plenty of nostalgia combine in The Bodyguard at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Here’s what to expect from the musical, which takes to the stage more than 30 years after the movie became a box office sensation.
I can still remember when The Bodyguard was released in 1992, mainly because my sister had the soundtrack on repeat at home. Of course, it gave us Whitney Houston’s unforgettable cover of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You – a song that remains one of the late pop star’s defining hits.
The film, which grossed over $400 million worldwide, was adapted into a stage production in 2012 and, more than a decade later, it’s still packing out theatres across the UK and beyond.
I first saw the show seven years ago when X Factor star Alexandra Burke took on the lead role. At the time, I was blown away by her vocals but was less convinced by her acting.
Fast forward to this week and the production has returned to Newcastle, complete with a sprinkling of Hollywood stardust courtesy of Adam Garcia. While he has an impressive list of theatre credits to his name, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Wicked and Saturday Night Fever, to me he’ll always be the heart-throb from another big-screen favourite, Coyote Ugly.
What’s worth mentioning is that this isn’t simply a screen to stage adaptation either. It’s a celebration of Houston’s music, with hits like How Will I Know, So Emotional and Million Dollar Bill woven into the production, despite not featuring in the original film.
So, is The Bodyguard still worth seeing?
A gripping story
The clue is in the title. The story follows former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer (Garcia) who is hired by the management team of superstar Rachel Marron to protect both her and her young son from a dangerous stalker. Sidonie Smith stars as Rachel during the current tour, but on the night I attended, Mireia Mambo stepped into this role and delivered a powerful performance.
Frank is determined to eliminate every possible risk, restricting Rachel’s public appearances and tightening her security. But with the singer on the awards circuit and in the running for an Oscar, staying out of the spotlight isn’t an option.
As the pair stubbornly clash over his methods as her bodyguard, an unexpected romance begins to blossom.
Whitney Houston's biggest hits
I found the power ballads the most captivating, particularly I Have Nothing. More than once I caught myself holding my breath, wondering whether Mambo would hit the notes – and, for the most part, she did. Her vocals felt slightly less assured during some of the more energetic numbers, but given the demanding choreography, that’s understandable.
Sasha Monique, who played Rachel’s sister Nicki, was equally impressive. She perfectly captured the quiet heartbreak of a sibling who’s spent her life in her superstar sister’s shadow.
The setlist is packed with crowd-pleasers from the Grammy award-winning movie soundtrack, including Queen of the Night, I’m Every Woman and Run to You.
As I mentioned earlier, Houston’s other chart hits also feature throughout the show, culminating in a fabulous ‘get up out of your chair’ encore to I Wanna Dance With Somebody. I loved hearing the live band too, which added even more of a buzz to the atmosphere inside the theatre.
Strong performances from Garcia and Mambo
The show balanced the tension of the stalking storyline with Rachel’s arena-style performances, cleverly turning the theatre audience into concert-goers.
There were a few jump scare moments too, with James-Lee Harris bringing an unsettling intensity to the role of the stalker.
Garcia was every bit the grounded, quietly authoritative protector first embodied by Kevin Costner on the big screen, while Mambo captured Rachel’s glamorous diva persona before gradually revealing a more vulnerable side as her relationship with Frank deepened.
Our verdict on The Bodyguard
If you love Whitney Houston’s back catalogue, then this musical hits all the right notes thanks to its blend of powerhouse vocals and a soundtrack crammed with some of pop’s greatest songs.
Although The Bodyguard was originally set in the early 90s (and was itself inspired by a 1960s film), its themes still feel relevant today, with social media and celebrity culture making the idea of obsession more believable than ever.
Before the curtain falls for the last time, make sure you stay for the show’s dazzling, high-energy finale, as you’ll definitely wanna dance with somebody before heading home!
The Bodyguard is at Newcastle Theatre Royal until 1st August 2026. For more details, visit www.thebodyguardmusical.com.
Photos: Paul Coltas
