Oh my word I absolutely loved watching The Bodyguard at Liverpool Empire lat night. It took me right back to my teenage years, belting out Whitney without caring who heard me. I’d forgotten quite how much I once loved the soundtrack and last night I was transported right back there.
The only thing that was better about watching The Bodyguard at Liverpool Empire last night was watching one of my eleven year olds eyes shine and look at me in wonder at how incredible the songs, and those singing them were.
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Melody Thornton a former Pussycat Doll was absolutely superb in her role as Rachel Marron, followed closely by Emily-Mae as Nicki Marron although to be fair there wasn’t much between them. Both belted out Whitney songs with true conviction and passion, and let’s face it we’ve all heard bad versions of those songs over this years, a fact which was actually parodied with a bad karaoke session mid way through the show.
For those of you that inexplicably haven’t seen the film of The Bodyguard at any point over the last 30 years (gosh that makes me feel old) the script to the Bodyguard the musical remains faithful to the original script, depicting the story of Rachel Marron, a renowned music superstar who faces a stalker. In response, Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service Agent, is hired as her new head of security and personal bodyguard. The ensuing plot follows the typical Hollywood formula of a passionate romance fuelled by anger, attraction, and stubborn protagonists, ultimately leading to someone being left behind.
The Bodyguard at Liverpool Empire started with a bang last night (quite literally) and continued at a pace. I picked up none of the challenges that touring productions often face and I was impressed by how quickly the cast and crew adapted to the new theatre. Thea Sharrock and Tim Hatley skillfully pulled everything together, while the video design by Duncan McLean and the lighting design by Mark Handerson were spot-on. Overall, the production was technically well-rounded.
During the opening performance of ‘Queen of the Night’, I had to stop myself singing out loud a reminder which you’re given at the beginning of the show, and in reality you’re going to want to hear Melody Thornton’s exceptional vocal quality, which allowed her to carry the majority of the musical performance throughout the show.
The songs, as in the movie, were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Additionally, The Bodyguard included some extra songs not featured in the original film, such as a comical rendition of ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go,’ which, was very entertaining.
Script wise there isn’t much to the Bodyguard if we are honest, but it doesn’t need to be great. You actually feel a lot of the time as though you’re watching an up close concert, with incredible singing and dancing. For a fun night at the theatre what more could you want.
If you can get tickets for the rest of the tour, do, we absolutely loved it. The Bodyguard is on at Liverpool Empire until Saturday 25th March, and then continues its UK tour.
You can buy tickets here.
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.