The Bodyguard at the Edinburgh Playhouse starts with a bang – both literally and figuratively. The shockingly loud gunshot, seamlessly followed by a dazzling performance of ‘Queen of the Night,’ sets the tone for the rest of the musical. It is lively, captivating, and laced with an unexpected edge.
The show explores the sinister reality of celebrity life, following an obsessive stalker who plots to kill famous singer Rachel Marron (Sidonie Smith). Frank Farmer (Adam Garcia) is hired as Rachel’s bodyguard, and when asked why he would be willing to risk his life for Rachel, Frank replies: “I can’t sing.” This witty response is true to begin with, but his role proves to be more complex when the pair unexpectedly fall in love.
The chilling performance from James Lee-Harris as Rachel’s stalker creates exhilarating tension, from which the audience is granted welcome relief by the catchy soundtrack of Whitney Houston hits. The karaoke scene is particularly entertaining, and is an impressively accurate representation of what you might hear in Cowgate’s Supercube on a Friday night.
Smith’s final solo, which is a powerful rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You,’ is staggering. From the glitzy costume and sparkling set to Smith’s breath-taking vocal performance, the finale is unforgettable. My only criticism is of the abrupt use of projection in the middle of the song, which is a slightly confusing and perhaps an unnecessary interruption.
Nonetheless, the ending leaves the audience wanting more, and our wishes are granted when the entire cast returns to the stage for a curtain-call boogie to ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’ The audience is already on their feet after a well-deserved standing ovation and is encouraged to join in, ending the show on an energised and uplifting note.
The Bodyguard provides an invigorating, concert-like tribute to the timeless music of Whitney Houston, making it a must-see production.
Photo by Paul Coltas, courtesy of the Edinburgh Playhouse.