YOU don’t normally associate perfectly-timed jump scares with musical theatre, but in the case of The Bodyguard, these are par for the course.
The audience at Venue Cymru were, in fact, kept on the edge of their seats during the latest revival of this west end show featuring a fabulous score made up of Whitney Houston classic hits.
The romantic thriller focuses on former secret service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer who is hired to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. With protection soon turning to affection for the pair.
Ayden Callaghan was superbly restrained as Farmer.
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His sober portrayal of this courageous character was worthy of praise while his monotone version of the Houston hit I Will Always Love You will remain long in the memory.
Melody Thornton is simply sensational as Marron.
The former Pussycat Doll never failed to hit the high notes on pop anthems like I Wanna Dance with Somebody, How Will I Know and I’m Every Woman.
Thornton’s vocal range and delivery proved superb particularly on the likes of I Have Nothing and I Get So Emotional.
While her powerhouse vocal performances were witnessed on her versions of I Will Always Love You, which really was something to savour.
She deserves credit for putting her own stamp on many of Houston’s signature songs in particular on The Greatest Love Of All and I Want To Run To You which she performs alongside her sister Nikki Marron played by the formidable Emily-Mae.
Mae’s solo singing talents are showcased perfectly thanks to a smoky, jazz infused version of Saving All My Love For You, during which you could hear a pin drop.
While her dramatic performance was spot on with fans of the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner being familiar Nikki’s resentment of her sister’s success and adoration.
Marios Nicolaides was menacing as the star stalker, James Groom was great as Marron’s pushy publicist Sy Spector, Graham Elwell and John Macaulay were excellent as members of the superstar’s team given the task of keeping the performer safe as part of her entourage.
And Frankie Keita was adorable as Marron’s son Fletcher.
Although the dark tone does somewhat dominate the second half of the show there are lighter moments including a screeching karaoke version of Where Do Broken Hearts Go which amused audience goers.
If you’re after a show with much-loved songs, unrivalled vocals, stunning choreography, musical direction and video effects which blur the lines between concert and theatre performance, then catch The Bodyguard at Venue Cymru until June 24.
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