Currently playing at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, The Bodyguard the Musical brings the much-loved story of superstar Rachel Marron and her devoted bodyguard Frank Farmer to the stage, alongside a soundtrack filled with some of Whitney Houston’s most iconic songs. Based on the 1992 film, it’s a production that many people will head into already knowing and loving the story, which naturally brings with it some pretty big expectations.

I went along really excited to see how such a cinematic film would translate into a live theatre experience. The Palace Theatre had a lovely buzz, and from the very beginning it was clear that the cast brought huge energy to the stage. Vocally, the performances were strong throughout, and the music plays a central role in the show, forming a big part of what makes the experience so enjoyable.

What Is The Bodyguard About?

The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic thriller centred on Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent hired to protect famous singer and actress Rachel Marron after she begins receiving threatening messages from a stalker. What begins as a strictly professional relationship slowly becomes more complicated, as the two grow closer while navigating danger, fame and emotional vulnerability. The film blends suspense and romance, while also touching on themes of trust, isolation and the pressures of life in the public eye.

The screenplay was written by Lawrence Kasdan and spent many years in development before finally making it to the big screen. First imagined in the 1970s, the story was linked to several potential stars before Kevin Costner eventually became involved. He later helped bring the film to life alongside Whitney Houston, in what became her first major film role.

My Review of the Bodyguard

All in all, I enjoyed the show, though it didn’t quite sweep me off my feet. The cast was fantastic, and the singing was truly impressive; you could feel the talent in every performance. Rachel Marron’s (Sidonie Smith) rendition of One Moment in Time was especially breathtaking.

That said, the production didn’t hit the emotional heights I had hoped for. The set was fairly simple, which sometimes made the story feel a little flat compared to the cinematic version. A few of Whitney Houston’s songs felt a bit tacked on, rather than naturally woven into the narrative. At times, it felt more like a celebration of Whitney’s incredible music alongside the story of The Bodyguard than a full capture of the film’s drama and emotional impact. This wasn’t a reflection on the amazing cast; they gave it their all, but it was more about how the stage adaptation came together for me.

If you hadn’t seen the movie, you’d still be able to enjoy the show without missing anything. By the finale, a large part of the audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering, completely caught up in the excitement. The closing number, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, was a real highlight, full of energy and fun. Overall, it’s still a really enjoyable night out, especially for anyone who loves Whitney Houston’s music.

Where Can You See The Bodyguard

You can see The Bodyguard at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until the 31st January with tickets from £15 plus booking fee.

And then at

• New Wimbledon Theatre, Mon 16 Feb – Sat 21 Feb 2026
• Sunderland Empire, Mon 27 Apr – Sat 2 May 2026
• Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 18 May – Sat 23 May 2026
• King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 25 May – Sat 30 May 2026
• Liverpool Empire, Mon 15 Jun – Sat 20 Jun 2026
• New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Mon 29 Jun – Sat 4 Jul 2026
• Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 11 Aug – Sat 15 Aug 2026

Please note, I was gifted the tickets, but a review was optional. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre.