Review: The Bodyguard the Musical at Norwich Theatre

And last night’s (Monday, August 28) performance of The Bodyguard was no exception as it dazzled the crowds at Norwich Theatre. 

The show tells the story of soul superstar Rachel Marron (Zoe Birkett) who is reluctantly assigned the best bodyguard in the business Frank Farmer (Ayden Callaghan) to protect her from a stalker. 

Without warning the pair fall head over heels in love but there are forces trying to keep them apart. 

It is based on the 1992 film which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Cosner and is punctuated with her back catalogue of chart-toppers including the Greatest Love of All and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. 

Birkett is an absolute superstar and successfully demands the attention of the audience from the first number. 

At just 16 years old, she became the winning female contestant of ITV’s original series of Pop Idol in 2002.  

Over the last 15 years, she has established herself as a leading actress in London’s West End and National UK tours. 

She is also no stranger to the role, having previously starred as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard during the production’s 2015 tour.

As Rachel, she balances vulnerability as a mother and a woman while maintaining the self-assurance of a global superstar and someone who knowns her worth. 

Showstoppers of the evening included I Have Nothing, One Moment In Time, Run to You, as well as the finale performance of I Will Always Love You. 

The most hilarious part of the evening was when Callaghan sang his own rendition of the afore-mentioned hit. Comedy genius. 

The supporting actor, Emily-Mae, plays Nicki Marron and is every bit as wonderful. The duet sung with Birkett was a personal highlight. 

Finally, the exceptionally talented Sam Stephens stole everyone’s heart as Rachel Marron’s 10-year-old son. He was a joy to watch. 

The Bodyguard runs at Norwich Theatre Royal until September 2.